University of Mary Washington Top Questions

If I had the chance to go back in time and give my high school self advice about college life I would definitly tell myself to stop panicking and procrastinating and just send in your college applications already. Maybe if you would have sent in your applications sooner you wouldn't have gotten waitlisted from that one college you actually wanted to go to. Also, why are you spending all your money on clothes and Chic Fil A? Don't you realize you need to be saving for the next four years? At least try to act like you are applying to some scholarships. How about instead of sitting on your couch watching old reruns of Scrubs you actually work on that college essay you've been putting off for a month? And let me not even mention those two months you wasted on that good-for-nothing boy from work when you should have been more focused on getting your GPA up. Although, once you finished all of the stressing duties that come with applying to college, feel free to kick back, hang out with friends, devour those waffle fries with confidence, and smile, you made it out alive.

Don't assume that you know what you want to major in after your freshman year. Finish all of your general education requirements, don't jump straight into major or upper level courses. Take advantage of disability resources for students. Don't feel pressured to take as many classes as your classmates, go at your own pace. Apply for scholarships! Keep a good record of your finances. Don't over involve yourself in extra-curricular activities. Go to your professor's office hourse on a regular basis to talk about your classes, not just when you have a problem. Don't worry so much about what will happen after your graduate, live in the present and focus on what you can do right now.

I would tell myself to CALM DOWN! As a high school senior I was worried about everything; grades, living on my own, bills, friends, tuition, jobs, the future, my major, roommates, food, gaining weight, losing touch with high school friends, my family, and the list goes on and on! The most important thing I have learned is that things happen for a reason and every struggle and challenge only made me stronger and I really cannot stress over it. I need to live in the moment and know that I am a strong person who just needs to calm down and enjoy life!!

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior knowing what I do now, I would tell myself to be more open-minded. At college, you meet so many interesting people and if you do not have an open mind, you might miss the chance to befriend amazing people and learn new things. Also, I would tell myself to step out of my comfort zone. Whether it be signing up for a class that intimidates you or joining a club that you do not know much about, the more you challenge yourself, the more you grow. The final piece of advice that I would give to my high school senior self would be to enjoy and experience as much as you possibly can. If an opportunity arises that you might slightly be interested in, take it. College is a time to learn, grow, and experience as much as possible, so be sure to take advantage of every opportunity that you are given.

I would say to study hard in highschool, because though it does not seem very important while you're there, it can make a difference when you transition to a college. When I first transitioned to Germanna, it was a totally different experience than I had had in highschool. Never assume for a moment that if you do well in highschool, you'll have an easy time in college. You'll do better than if you hadn't studied, but college is a totally new level. If you're prepared to expect the worst, you'll be okay. If you expect an easy ride, you're in for a nasty surprise.

Focus, darlin, focus. Forget the internet, forget the boys. I repeat, forget the boys. College is nothing like the movies at all. Don't be afraid of not fitting in because everyone here is literally the social pariah of the "real world" for the next four years. You're too old to be pitied and too young to be taken seriously. Have fun! Try new things! I know it's cheesy, but seriously dude, you won't regret it. Do your homework, I know it seems useless now, but trust me, it's definitely gonna help you in the long run. And for the love of God, study. Study hard or go home. Seriously, if you don't they will kick you out. I've seen it happen, and it's not pretty. Oh yeah, meal swipes are probably the greatest invention ever. So use them, cause you'll regret spending all your money on chinese take-out. Don't forget to make your family proud and remember you're doing this so that they can have a better life. Call your high school friends sometimes, and it's okay to cry when you miss home. Stay beautiful, stay smart.

I would tell myself to enjoy every single day at college. The time goes by so incredibly fast, cherish every moment as you change and grow into a young adult! Make a point to talk with professors outside of class - these relationships are important; your professors can offer so much help and insight into everything: from how to study to how to apply to graduate school. Also, don't be afraid to try something new! Being sure of yourself is the best way to make friends!

Bryanna, try hard then try harder! College is a major step in your life and the key of success is in your hands so USE IT! I beleive in you and you can do anything you put your mind to. Times may be hard for you now but when things seem to be impossible take that struggle and turn it into success. You are unstoppable. You are strong. You are capable. Never let anyone tell you that you can't or won't accomplish your goals. Strive for nothing less than you deserve. Be the person you want your future kids to look up to and admire. Be the student that your parents love to brag about. Be the above the negative influence. Remember I am your biggest fan and I have faith in you. Stay positive and continue to walk the strut of the future hair salon owener that you plan to be. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER give up!

Let me just tell you some advice now before you go on to college, some things that I have learned that you will find useful. First of all develop a good study habit and stick to it because if you do not do your work even if it was not assigned reading the book is so helpful. There is so many distractions and your friends will try and make you not study and do your assignments. Secondly a good thing to do is get a lot of volunteer down under your belt so you can build your resume up. Your resume is very important in college it is how your future employers will see you and the first thing they will see. And most important is to go to a college that you will enjoy because if you do not it does not matter if you are taking easy classes or hard classes you will not do well. College life is very different from high school do not treat it the same.

I would remind myself to take more AP classes and assure myself that I should just get through them and do well on the exams for credit. It is not hard to pass the exam and it makes the best use of 4 required years in school. I would have more credits toward my general ed requirements and minimize some of the more tedious classes that I will have to take.