University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Top Questions

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would start off by saying enjoy high school and cherish every memory while you have the chance. In college no one is going to be there to tell you to go to bed, do your homework, and keep you out of trouble. Go the extra mile because in the end it all will pay off. At times you may think teachers are being hard on you, but in reality their just preparing you for the "real world." Get a head start on college applications and scholarships, so when the time comes you won't feel overwhelmed by deadlines. And last but most important take the ACT as many times as possible until your satisfied with your score.

I would tell myself how important college is. I would tell myself to change my outlook on my grades. When I was beginning high school, I was not thinking about college and never thought the present could affect my future. I didn't do very well on the ACT and it wasn't until senior year that I pulled my act together. Senior year was the first year I tried my best and got good grades. I am a completely different person now. I didn't get accepted to the school I wanted to go to because of my high school grades and ACT score. I go to Rock Valley College in Rockford, Illinois. This last semester my GPA was a 3.2. I would tell myself that the things you do NOW affect your future. Grades follow you wherever you go. You may have even felt like you had a lot of time to pull it together, but sometimes it is too late. I would tell myself that I'd be so much better off if I would have taken in the fact that high school has a lot to do with getting into certain colleges that you want.

I would have told myself to get into the habot of studying more often and more efficently. I also would have told myself to take more challenging classes.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school about college, here are some advices that I would give. First of all, I would definitely try to convince myself that applying for fifteen scholarships is not even enough. Even though I applied for bunch of scholarships last year, however, I’m still struggling with many issues in finance right now as a freshman in college. Second, I would tell myself that watch out for the deadlines both for colleges and scholarships and don’t ever wait until the last minute to apply for colleges or scholarships; that’s a really bad idea. Third, I would spend more time on the scholarship essays that I wrote. Now, I know that the key to win a scholarship is my essay. I would not rush and push myself on those essays, but I would take my time to write them. Last but not least is to visit more colleges before I decide what college is right for me. Even though I know the University of Minnesota is the best for me, but I still want to see how other colleges/Universities are.

If I could go back knowing what I know now I'd tell myself to get a single room dorm, visit the dorms before choosing which one to live in, make sure I knew what classes I was getting myself into, and be more open minded. I would get a single dorm room because I've come to realize that I like being by myself a lot of the times and roomates can make a lot of noise or can even be a problem. Also, when I first moved into my dorm hall I was terrified. The place was so ugly, but I eventually got used to it. I still wish I looked at it before hand though because I would have chosen a different dorm hall. I didn't struggle with my classes too much first semester, but that's because I got lucky. I remember not knowing what I was really doing when I was registering for classes and after having done so by myself for second semester I now know. I would also be more open minded because I didn't get to know a lot of people, but I know I still have the opportunity to.

Advice I would give myself in high school varies. One thing that I somewhat regret is my choice in school in general. I would say to myself even though I did apply to many schools, apply to even more. Look into the social aspect of things in more depth. Thats what I am missing out on most of all, no sense of belonging. I would tell myself to evaluate what is truly important and what I want to expereince and take out of the next four years of my life. I would tell myself to learn some fiscal responsiblity for sure. Saving is key. To my high school self, I warn you of the true stressors of college and how hard it truly is. The coursework is no joke and be ready for discrimination in every form. Prepare yourself for real life experiences away from home. But, on the other hand I would tell myself to prioritize and make sure to extend yourself to anything you may find the least bit interesting, don't be afraid to try new things and finally LOVE yourself!

Enjoy the time you have left, but remember this is just the beginning. The next few years seem so far away, but they'll go by fast. Remember to keep your chin up during the lows and accomplish great things. There will always be obstacles in life, but with time and patience they will pass. Always work hard, no matter the task at hand and always be yourself. As you get older you really learn the importance of knowledge and innovation. Get involved with the community, discover your strengths and learn about your weaknesses. Aspire to become the best person you can be, make lasting relationships, and get plenty of sleep!

Hey Joseph. You slacked off alot in high school and were able to succeed without much work. That does not work in college. You should also makes sure you know where all the dorms are located before you choose it. I was not smart, and now have to take a bus to classes every morning. You must be social during the first few days of moving in, or else it becomes extreamly awkward to talk to people. Make sure you make friends with your TAs and your Professors. Personally, since you already have so much experience being independent, you will not have too much problem adjusting to your new life.

If I could go back in time and talk with my senior self, I would tell him (myself) to stay focused. I would tell him not to allow senioritis to mess with your study habits and allow you to lose track of the reason that you are in school. I would tell him, because though you may think that you will snap back into it and buckle down once you get to college, that is not necessarily true. Freshman year is a year of adjusting to the new freedoms and environment anyways and if you allow senioritis to affect you now, that will be yet another obstacle for you to overcome next year once you get on campus and don't have mom telling you to study or do homework instead of going to play basketball. I would say, the better you can prepare yourself now, the better off you'll be in the future.

I would tell myself to be flexible and open to new ideas in college. I thought I knew what I wanted as career. But after taking some great classes, I changed my mind numerous times, and know I am finally on the right path! And don't be intimidated by anything. College is a different place than high school, but there is A LOT of help available if you're willing to take that step. There are many many resources available to students. So, don't be afraid to use them. College is an experience. Stay away from bad influences. You'd be surprised how many times you have to make a decision that could make or break your character. Have fun but stay true to yourself. You'll be surprised how fast college years go by!