University of Delaware Top Questions

I would let myself know that college is going to be hard and really tough sometimes. However, it is easy to make friends and to find the right people to lean on when you need it. It is important to create a support system for yourself and to make sure that you get a lot of internship experience so that you can figure out exactly what you want to do in life. Don't get bogged down by the social scene, because the academics is what really matters.

I would tell myself to just relax and enjoy the moment. Yes it is a big step from high school to college but it is not as bad as everyone thinks. I would make sure to tell myself that while it is fun to go out with friends, your school work must come first. The first semester of college I made the mistake of putting having fun above doing school work and I suffered for it. Although my grades were B's and C's that first semester it was far from the normal A's I get. Once I realized that school comes first and learned to balance my social life and school work, I have never made that mistake again of putting my social life first. I would tell myself that it is ok to go out and have fun as long as you know what priorities come first above all else

Apply for scholarships and grants early, keep ontop of these applications so you can afford to go to school stress free instead of worrying about bills and whether or not you're actaully going to get in this semester. Make sure you live on campus. The worst part of my experience was feeling like I wasn't part of this school because I wasn't physcially living on campus. I literally went there to learn and it meant very little to me. I just wanted to get my degree and move on. The connections and networking that the clubs and organizations offer is invaluable, make use of them. Join them and stay connected with those friends. You'll find that those people show up in your classes and you will value their friendship and help semester after semester. Try to take care of yourself. Stress made attendence and studying that much harder, excercise and find peace! It will all turn out if you give yourself time and space.

In the words of the great English leader Winston Churchill, “Never, ever, ever give up.” A simple statement for sure, but absolutely profound. Of course on some level this truth has to be ingrained into every high school student or no one would ever obtain a high school diploma. However, once in college, the essence of this truth is heavily tested as growing responsibilities and added coursework press even the most talented of students. There are small choices to be made every day for sure. Yet, the battle is often won or lost in those intense moments of do or die. Those moments when you have decide whether to go to bed or stay up and study one more hour, those moments when you have to decide mid-test whether to give up or press on and salvage a grade, this is where the battle is won and lost. So in the end, I do not know that I would tell my high school self anything I did not already know, but I would ingrain what I do. Fight hard, never give up, win the battles, for today’s battles bring tomorrow’s victories. Kyle Nyce

Growing up, I always had a hard time understanding that I may not be able to be the best at everything. While this is a simple and well-known lesson, it is much harder to put into practice than it is to put into words. I expected to shine as I entered college by getting into every school I applied to, having an amazing roommate who would be my best friend for the rest of my life, and immediately diving into leadership positions while still excelling in my classes. I wanted to be the perfect student and have a perfect first semester. However, this year has taught me that perfection is merely an idea, and that not everything will work out exactly how I plan. I may not have gotten into every school or accepted to the positions I applied to, my roommate and I may go our separate ways after this year, and straight As may not be as easy to obtain as I thought, but in hindsight, those things have not prevented me from having a successful and enjoyable first semester. Keep your head held high, and remember that simply striving for perfection can also lead to success.

I would tell him to not go to college, to just get a job for life experience until he feels ready to go to college. Instead of going when I am not mentally ready for it.

If I could tell myself anything as a senior in high school, it would be to take advantage of scholarships. I applied to some, but I know I should have put more effort into scholarships and trying to save more money for college. Instead of doing the many scholarships my mom found for me, I went out with friends. I spent all summer with family and friends and didn't do any work. I would tell myself that t would be a mistake not to take advantage of opportunities. The one thing I regret has to be that I didn't try hard enough to save for college.

Dear High School Senior Me, I want to start by saying live the next year of your life like the Bob Marley song " Don't worry about a thing, cause every little thing gonna be alright". Know that when you make a decision to attend a university there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, consider the quality of the education you are looking for, and know that no decision to attend a university is a cheap one so be mindful of costs. Second, think about the type of people you want to go to school with. Are you comfortable attending a school in which each face is a new one, or would you be more comfortable closer to home with many familar faces? The social setting you put yourself in will in many ways shape how you feel about your school. Lastly work your hardest and don't be afraid to try new things. For example if you get an email asking about trying out for the women's rowing team (which you will) go for it! Nothing bad can happen from you taking chances, you will either fail and learn from your mistakes or succeed.

When looking back upon my life since graduation from high school till now I would have to say an important piece of advice is to take your studies seriously. Do not goof off in the first two years of college because in the end, your grade point average does mean something, especially when you are trying to get into graduate school. Give everything you do, whether academic, professional, or personal, 110 percent. I didn’t learn this until my junior year of college and trying to bounce back from that choice was tough. The most important advice I would give to my 17 year old self is that no matter how much you plan life, things will not go accordingly. When this happens, do not sit around and do nothing, revise your plan and keep moving. I have encountered many forks in the road in life, some expected, and others not so much. Whether it was pursuing a different degree choice, not getting into a certain program, or getting into a tough graduate school program, take life one step at a time. It all works out in the end.

“Ring! Ring! Here’s your wake up call! This is where everything counts; this is what really matters. You’ve done pretty well in high school, but college is a whole different league. The classes will get A LOT harder, but you’ll be able to manage them. The thing that will hit you hard will be the social life. It’s oh so tempting to go out too often or to ‘relax’ the weekend before a test, but you MUST resist. College weekends start on Thursday, but lucky you has classes on Friday so suck it up and don’t go out! The key to thriving is balance; work hard during the week and enjoy yourself during the weekends. You must be smart and if you have a test coming up, ACTUALLY STUDY FOR IT and don’t go out that weekend! You have years ahead of you! You need both the academics and the fun, but you can’t let either one dominate your college career. Take advantage of all the opportunities, but don’t overload yourself. Keep adding activities until you are busy, but not stressed. Most of all, maximize your time at college!”