University of Delaware Top Questions

If I could give advice to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to be outgoing and flexible when making the transition to college. College is an entirely new environment, and making friends is important. Get to know the people in your dorm and the people in your classes...someone who's a "stranger" one day could become your new best friend! It's also important to be outoing to take advantage of "professional" opportunities such as TA positions, internships, etc. Opportunities like these are there for the taking, but you have to be bold enough to go after them! It's also important to be flexible; you shouldn't expect your life to be the same as it was when you were in high school. Staying up late, eating at weird hours, and taking random naps all seem to be part of a college student's "schedule," so these are changes that you'll have to adapt to. Lastly, have fun! It's easy to hole up in the library and study all the time, but that's not much fun. It's important to make friends that you'll remember forever.

Going back in time to talk to myself would probably be a pretty difficult thing to do knowing that I'm not very good at taking other people's advice. However, given the opportunity to do so, there are plenty of things I would tell myself. I would warn myself that you really do have to learn how to be independent and know how to do things on your own. Growing up in a single parent family, my mom was my backbone for everything. I'm not going to lie, I cried every night for a week straight when I first got to college. Being on my own was one of the scariest things I had to learn to deal with, but it was also a great experience. I would also tell myself not to worry about so much stuff. When you get to college, you realize how much time you have to sit and think and worry. Being someone who often stresses about nonsensical things, I would warn myself not to do so. Overall, I do feel that I made the best decision by choosing University of Delaware and that is something I would never change.

If I went back 2 years ago I would tell myself: Be confident in your decisions, and don't always second-guess yourself. You are a talented young lady and you have the ability to succeed anywhere. College life may be scary at first, but relax because eventually you will meet great friends and form strong bonds. Don't be afraid to join clubs and get involved with the school because you have nothing to lose and joining in these activities is rewarding. Also, don't feel like you need to know exactly what you want to do with your life because taking college courses gives you a chance to experiment with possible future career paths. Appreciate all the diverse people you will meet because you will benefit from being open minded and understanding, and don't be scared to socialize with people that are different from you. At the same time, be aware that not everyone is worth of your trust, but you can determine which people are truly genuine. Overall, enjoy college because it will go by fast and take time to appreciate even the smallest positive experiences while you can.

The transition from high school to college is a crucial step in every teenager's life. I can still remember worrying myself sick over this magical place called college. "Where will I go? What will I study? Who will I meet?" All of these questions raced through my mind as a senior. I had a vague picture of what to expect, but no one is ever really prepared for it until they are thrust into it's grip. Numerous seniors enter applications involving religion, school size, major, location, and various other feel good checkmarks that are supposed to ensure a comfortable college experience. The truth is, however, college is an experience above and beyond that of sizes and shapes. If I had to go back and give advice, I would say that college is an experience of friendships, knowledge, and self discovery, but most importantly, a time where reality and education intersect. I'd say, "Don't worry. College is everything that you make of it. You can learn, have fun, and meet amazing people. Be bold, even step outside of your comfort level. No matter what it boils down to, college is an experience, and the future is yours."

I would tell myself to not worry about the cost of one college as opposed to the other. Go to the school that you feel suits you best and worry about money-issues later. Most schools have some sort of financial aid to offer, especially if you ask for it. Get off to a good start right away and on the first day of moving in, go say hello to everyone on your floor so you make friends early. Most freshman are just as afraid they're first day as you will be and would really appreciate a friendly hello. Also, get involved with some sort of group, sport, or organization; this will also help you make new friends (and study partners come the finals cram!). Don't sweat coming to school, its not as terrible or intimidating as anyone makes it out to be.

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would tell myself to look harder for what I want. When searching for colleges, I did not try very hard to find a school that had exactly what I wanted. I ended up switiching the major I wanted in order to go to a school nearby. I had only applied to 2 schools, neither of which had the major I truely wanted. Knowing what I know now, if I could go back to high school, I would do everything all over again. I wouldn't settle. I would try harder to find the school that fit me the best.

Dear Paul Ojewoye, College is more intense compare to high school. There is a lot more work and stress. To be success you have to be more persistent, focus and discipline. Do not let all the circumstances in life and college put you down. Just constantly work hard using a time table to manage so much work in so little time. It?s also important to have a little fun by going to the gym, playing ball and pool, but do not get carried away, it will put you off track. Having fun helps relief stress and breaks the routine of just lectures and studying all the time. Another important thing is find a tutor for all your classes. Even though, you may think you do not need tutoring it helps to have something to fall back on if the class does go smoothly. Try to study with people who have good study habits and work hard. It is kind of contagious to study if you are around people who are very focus. They will inspire you to study. Finally, stay with RISE and SSSP. The programs give you many advices that are advantageous to follow. Sincerely, College Paul Ojewoye

If presented with the opportunity to return to my high school self. I would seize more opportunities. I would ask more questions, in my current courses I realize that asking the proper questions is essential to gaining knowledge. In high school I never told people my problems and concerns, but since being in college and having been encouraged to talk to my professors and mentors, I have received great advice, so that I can excel, without going through the same challenges they went through. Currently, I am still learning how not to procrastinate. The times that I do not procrastinate I love it, I have more time on my hands, I feel more productive, and my work is of better quality because I have time to review it. Last semester I did not receive the dean?s list, and was disappointed. I gathered myself, and reviewed what I did well and could do better, and improved my study skills and time management in order to do better next semester. I wished I would have applied myself with such diligence in high school, in that way I would have better study habits and could have made the dean?s list earlier.

I'd say, Jessica, you have to put forth your best effort in your classes and get the best GPA you can while you are in high school. Study and read everything so you can increase your general knowledge and score higher on your SAT's. Don't let boyfriends and dating get in the way of your long term goals. Have fun but remember that bad relationships are obstacles to your success. Surround yourself with people who are positive and who will get you ahead in life. You know right from wrong, so choose "right".

If it was possible to talk to myself as a high school senior, there would be a lot I would say. Back in high school, I would always study for all of my tests but my studying habits weren't necessarily the best. That would be the main point I would tell my high school self. In college, I found that the tests are a lot different and I need to study for multiple days before the test, not just the night or two nights before. I would also tell myself not to rely heavily on homework and class participation to keep up my grade. I was used to receiving credit for tests and quizzes besides homework, etc. in my high school classes. I would always give my best and aim for an A on all tests and quizzes, but if one test was a B, I never stressed. In college, if one test is a B, it is hard to bring that up to get a higher final grade since the final grade is based only on tests. These two key points I wish I knew as a high school senior, but I'm glad that I know now.