University of Delaware Top Questions

Looking back at my senior year of high school, I realize that I was definitely on my way to becoming the confident and independent woman that I am today. Since my transition to college life, I have developed a new found assertiveness, abandoning my hesitation and coyness. If I could go back, I would tell myself not to be afraid to be outgoing and spontaneous. I would advise myself to talk to everyone and always be open to making new friends. In college, I?ve learned that if you need help, just ask. Organizing study groups and finding trusted peer-editors is always a great idea. I would tell myself to set goals and organize my time well. Getting school work done is important as well as having a healthy social life. I would remind myself that I made it through high school working a part time job while managing good grades. Working part time in college will be most helpful to purchase books and have a little extra spending money. Finally, I would tell myself that I have what it takes to succeed; I just need to apply myself and work to bring out the best in me.

You have attended the same school for fourteen years, you have lived in the same house your entire life, and you have had the same friends all throughout school. You are about to put yourself in an extremely different environment, and although you think you know everything you need to know, I am here to tell you that you are wrong! You will no longer be surrounded by Christian classmates and Christian teachers. Instead you will be surrounded by a diverse group of individuals who will challenge your beliefs. It is not only critical that you know exactly what you believe, but that you are strong in those beliefs. Also, be open-minded and respectful of what others believe. You have always been the one being a friend, but now you are the one making friends. You will be intimidated at first, but the best thing for you do to is be confident and be yourself. People will respect you for that. Some friends will pressure you into things such as sex and alcohol. You may make a few mistakes, but you will learn your boundaries as long as you remember who you are.

The advice I would give to myself as a high school senior would to be soak in the knowledge I learned in my high school courses. I would tell myself to really pay attention to the criteria I learned in high school. It is important to not just work merely for the grade on your transcript but for the basic knowledge college eventually will expand on. In college, the classes I learned in high school are studied more critically and in depth. If I could go back in time I would?ve taken every writing assignment as an opportunity to practice my analytical skills and test my critical thinking. In college I learned it is important to take every little thing as an opportunity to strengthen and enhance my skills.

If I were to talk to my young, inexperienced high school self, I would impart on him certain wisdoms that have been given to me by older college generations. To begin with, start the college diet a little easier. Easy-Mac in the morning, Ramen Soup in the afternoon, and a bit of both for a late night snack. These foods will be your staples for the next four years, and the sooner you get used to them, the better. Adjust your sleep cycle, from 3 AM to 11 AM. You do not want to miss out on anything important, so sleeping at the right time is essential. Invest in lots of pajama pants and sweatshirts, as they are the new style. Who wants to wake up and actually get ready in the morning? The college student surely does not. These are essential steps in becoming the model college student. Without taking these steps, transition is nearly impossible. My last piece of advice, however, would be to go into college with a blank slate. Try everything you can, and do not be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone. However, this is optional, and Ramen is clearly more important.

If I could give myself advice about making the transition to college, I would first remind myself to not let time slip away. Your senior year goes by quickly, and before you know it, it's time to start looking ahead. Make sure all deadlines are met, and don't wait until the last minute and rush things. If everything is taken care of over time, the transition will not be stressful. That is the most important thing to remember. I would also tell myself to not worry so much. Many high school seniors worry about leaving friends and making new friends. College is a fresh start. You meet hundreds of new people, and everyone is "in the same boat." You will have plenty of time to see your old friends during breaks. Joining clubs and groups is also a great way to meet new people and see what your new school has to offer. Last, I would tell myself to welcome the transition to college, because it is a great experience and something to embrace instead of something to fear.

At first the whole college chift may be difficult but you will pull on through with flying colors. They say that, "whatever doesn't break you makes you stronger." Sometimes you just have to learn to roll with the punches. You will get through everything in college whether it be a ten page paper or some drama with a room mate or friend. You'll be amazed at what you can accomplish, how independent you will get and how much you truly are going to grow up. At college you are going to realize a lot more dreams and you will even attain some even by the time you graduate. College is going to be the place that you will grow and shine . So get excited because your life starts now!

To the girl about to enter the "real world," You've been through so much these past years, and now it's time to show what you've got, even to tight-pant professors and frat boys/sorority babes who may misjudge you. If anything, know that your education comes first, not partying or popularity-leave that for high school! Make a homework schedule to manage your courseload, and do NOT pull an all-nighter. Pick a major fitting YOUR interests, not your parents' And, if you ever doubt yourself, DONOT GIVE UP. PS, french fries are not vegetables!

Here's some advice: Be proactive, and don't settle. Take initiative in everything: join and then PARTICIPATE IN clubs, don't wait until you're settled in. Do the work to get the grades you want. Be prepared to to the work. But don't think college will be all work and no play for you. Make some play time early on, go out and have fun so you can put in the effort when things need to be done. HAVE FUN, because I know you will do your work either way.

The most important advice I would giv e myself as a high school senior is to apply to an out-of-state college. I was forced to stay in-state by my parents, and the drama living at home has caused has definitely negatively affected my school work. Also, I would have never chosen to participate in the connected degree program, where you are a University of Delaware student, but you attend a Delaware Tech campus for classes. Delaware high schools build this program up to be the greatest thing since sliced bread, as it offers two years of University of Delaware education for no cost to the student. However, they do not tell you that you are only allowed to choose classes from the front and back of a sheet of computer paper, not the entire UD catalog. Also, most classes are arts classes. As a chemistry major, I will be at least a full year behind in my degree if I continue on to the main campus. I feel robbed of two years of my life.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would have many things to say. The first, and biggest piece of advice I would give myself is to practice good study skills. It can be really difficult away from your parents to force yourself to practice good study habits. This leads to a lot of stress and sometimes, poor grades- which only add to your stress levels. The next piece of advice I would give myself would be to practice time management. This ties into good study skills. Having good time management skills is beneficial in college because it will increase the amount of time you have to study, so you will not feel rushed to study. Good time management will also prevent you from cramming too close to exam time. The final piece of advice I would give myself is probably the most important advice ever: have fun! College is a time to find yourself and to learn your limits and boundries. If you hole yourself up in your dorm room and don't get out and meet people and make friends college is going to be the worst experience of your life.