University of Iowa Top Questions

If I was able to go back to my senior year of high school I would tell myself that I need to improve my study habits because college is so much more different than high school. I would teach myself how to take better notes, and how to read through a text and pull out the important information. I would also tell myself that tests are much more difficult than any high school test, and that I would have to study usually at least a week in advance for an exam instead of the usually night before studying that took place in high school. Finally, I would tell myself to seek out help when I can't figure something out because I know how stubborn I am, and how much I dislike receiving help because I feel like I should be able to figure out everything on my own even though I know I can't.

I would tell my self to relax and enjoy my time at home. I have gotten a little homesick a couple of times and really miss living at home. When I was in high school I was very worried about getting good grades, taking the hardest classes, and deciding what I wanted to do with my life. Looking back I realize I put to much pressure on myself. I should have enjoyed the time I had left in high school and spent more time with friends that I do not get to see very often. With the difficult classes I took I would advise myself to not take the AP classes, instead take more classes at the local community college.

If I were back in high school, I would take the advice from my parents and teachers more seriously. When we're young we think we have all the time in the world, but we don't realize that time flies by- quickly. If I could turn back the clock, I would take my education and the time I have more seriously. Therefore, my advice to those in High School right now is: don't waste your time. Use it wisely. Make time for work and play. Find a good balance and it will pay off. Life isn't all work but it can't be all fun either. The most successful people are the ones that found a good balance between taking time to laugh and taking time to work. The last bit of advice is to learn your subjects well. Don't skimp on your education because you will regret it later!

Don't hold back. These are the best years of your life, and they're going to fly by faster than you think. Sieze every opportunity you can, because once your years are finished here, many of those opportunities will disappear. Don't be afraid to take risks, whether it may be a difficult class or stepping out of your comfort zone to make a new friend. Life is what you make of it, so make the best of your college years. They don't last long, so live it up while you can.

A major reason why I came to Iowa was to escape the world I once knew. I loved high school, my friends and that entire environment. I wouldn't change it for anything in the world, but I really wanted to see if I could make it on my own. I realize now that this was a good decision for me. I needed to branch out and figure out what I want to do, not what others expect me to do. At the transition time though, wasn't easy at all. It was very difficult to start all over. I would tell myself to stay motivated and to work on making the best of my college experience. The transition may be hard, but it's all worth it in the end. College is the only real oppritunity in your life to experiment and formulate strong core beliefs and foundations. YOU make your college experience what it is. Remember to stay true to yourself and then the rest should fall into place. Never EVER lose sight of who you are despite being surrounded by a new environment and situations. Acceptance and satisfaction can be achieved if strived for.

Work hard and stay motivated. There are many opportunities to get off track but if you focus on what needs to be done you will do well in school. Still go out and have fun because you will meet alot of new people who will become your very close friends but you must find a good balance. If you do so you will have fun and still get good grades. Also going away will be hard at first. You will miss your family and friends but don't give up. You will get use to it and Iowa City will soon become your second home.

If I could go back in time and speak to myself as a high school senior I would surprisingly say very little. If I had not made the decisions and mistakes that occured once I entered college, I would have missed out on the experience of learning new things and living in the moment. Although, if I did have to say one thing to my younger self, it would be to have a confident and strong stature in the face of any situation I encounter. I would also say that experience is the one thing in life that makes people grow into more accomplished and creative adults, and you can only gain it over time. Even though I have only just left high school, I feel as if I left a completely different world. A world full of rules and sterotypes. Once entering college, the feeling of freedom and lack of judgement towards people swam over me in waves of relief and liberation. I believe the beauty in making the transition from high school life to college life is the fact that each person has their own story to tell, each one unique and mesmerizing to hear.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would definately tell myself not to be nervous. The application and orientation processes are nerve-racking, but definately do-able. I remember being so nervous when senior year ended because I knew I would have to start fresh at a huge new school. If I could I would tell myself that "Everything will work out in the end. You'll have fun and gain new friends. The opportunities are limitless. Just keep your mind open and calm down. Remember, the people who go to college were once just like you: high school students."

If i were given the opportunity to speak to myself as a High School Senior I would definitely encourage myself to take part in as many school-oriented activites as possible and to meet as many people as I could. The most important thing I have learned so far in College is to become involved in the school through the activities they provide. Whether it be through the honors society or a musical group, my involvement has truly shaped my college experience for the better. Particularly with my experience in the Marching Band at Iowa, I have been able to travel to several places across the country as a representative of the University of Iowa. Furthermore, being a member of the band has driven my school spirit higher than most other students. Every time we sing the Alma Mater as a band I feel truly connected to the other students and alumni of the University. I would be sure and encourage my High School self to stay involved with music and as many other school-related activities as possible.

The idea of going back in time to my high school days brings with it feelings of both shame and hope. Up until my senior year at the suburban high school I attended, my attitude was gravely negative about my peers and situation. I believed I was educated in an exceptionally different way than the rest of my classmates, and felt superior to their "shallow" way of life. I appreciated diversity, culture, and selflessness; for me at that time, my school represented the opposite. After being diagnosed with a serious illness my junior year, I had a change of heart. I realized that I was in no way doing any service to either my peers or myself by being cynical. We are all on our own journey - it is our right - and no one shuld be judged or criticized for their lifestyle or background. That is the advice I would have given myself early on: to accept life as a beautiful montage of people, and take advantage of the chance to learn more about them and myself in spite of differences. College has opened my eyes even more and every day I discover positive aspects of life and my surroundings.