University of Missouri-Columbia Top Questions

If I had the chance to go back in time and speak to my high school self, I would advise her to study more frequently and to focus more on learning the information versus simply memorizing it. As a college freshman I often compared my study tactics to that of those around me; if I saw others studying less and making good grades I would think I could do the same. I made the mistake earlier on in school by focusing more on the social scene of the campus versus my own study tactics and if I had a second chance I would not want to repeat these mistakes. When entering college it is important to accomplish an academic strategy, because there will always be a party before and after your studies, I just need to choose my partying and studying time wisely.

You will never know what will happen a year from now. Everything and everyone you know can change. College is about making tough decisions and embracing who you are. There will be times where you will be loney, you will fear, you will fail but only you will make the choices you need to succeed. Protect those that will protect you and be more kind to people because no one knows what someone is going through. It may be cold outside but it doesn't mean you have the inner warmth to perserve and embrace your own heat. When you can learn to be yourself, everyone will learn how to accept you. College is a wikipedia page where every word is a hyperlink, you can't check everylink; But, you have to know that some links are more important than others. Don't be afraid that you might fail and tackle new challenges head on. You are the only one who determines what it means to be great, get out meet people and move forward in the world.

If I could go back to high school and give myself advice about college I would have a few suggestions. First, I would tell myself to make sure and get involved when I get into college, because starting at such a big school is hard and getting involved in groups with people that share the same values or passions is a way to meet people you can make friends with. That is the largest piece of advice I'd give myself, but another piece of advice would be to make sure and fill out as many scholarships as I could in high school, because that first year is the easiest to reciece them. But make sure I dont stop there and keeping looking for more and more scholarships each year, because the debt will be huge when i get out of college. I'd also tell myself to make connections within my department in college. Making connections, as well as, getting involved will help so much with receiving money and getting good recomendations down the line. Those things dont seem very important when first entering college but ive learned those connections will help tremendously when looking for a job.

Knowing what I know now about my college, I would tell my high school senior self not to slack off; apply to as many scholarships that you are able to get your hands on and explore your options. Once attending college, get involved in everything your heart desires and hone in on that one thing you truly care about and put you all into it. Focus on your grades and know that this step in college is the precursor to your life as an adult citizen. I would tell myself to get to know my proffesors and to take advantage of every office hour and lecture that the school has to offer. Make friends and join study groups. Take advantage of the help that the school offers if you are struggling and don't wait until the last minute to try and fix your mistakes. Be proactive. Study abroad and talk with your academic advisor, a lot! Never stop believing in yourself, and never let anyone tell you what you cannot do. Know that there is always a way to accomplish your goals, hopes, and dreams. Remember the reason why you wanted to be college-educated when you first enrolled.

I would tell myself its not that hard to put in the effort I need to. In high school my GPA was much lower than I would have wanted and it was only due to a lack of effort. Here in college I've made the dean's list and have a GPA of over 3. If I had done this in high school I surely would find college much more affordable. Slacking off as I did a few years ago doesn't benifit me short or long term near as much as putting in the work.

Given the opportunity to go back and speak to my highschool self, I would tell myself that things become better, to keep my eyes forward and chin up. While I was highly involved in highschool and maintained a large group of friends, I battled through depression, sometimes struggling to believe that I would ever be happy with what I was doing and that it all meant something. When I finally arrived in college though, life took a wonderful turn; my friends shared the sam interests as I did and were willing to go on adventures like hiking and camping, my professors were not only well known in their fields, but were also my friends, who readily took time out of their schedule to listen to my problems and help me in whatever ways they could. My four years in college has given me the most beautiful opportunity anyone could give me--the chance to be myslef. The chance to act weird, study what I want and do the hobbies that make me happy while not fearing being judged or put down. I survived, but if I could have spoken to myself then, I would simply say "Keep moving forward".

Be outgoing. Be the first person to say "hi" on move in day at the dorm. Introduce yourself to the person sitting next to you on the first day of your Monday 8am class because more than likely you'll need to borrow their notes at some point. Capture the attention of recruiters who are watching your every move. Make friends everywhere you go because sometimes you just need a game day buddy, a study partner at 2 in the morning, or the friend whose aunt's best friend's brother got you that job after graduation. You'll never know how a person can enrich your life until you say "hello".

If I could tell myself anything as a senior it would be that it is possible to succeed. The Unviersity has so many tools set in place to help everyone be successful. All you have to do is seek out help and ask a few questions. It is very easy to do well, you just have to put in some effort. Taking initiative can seem difficult but the results will be worth your time. Everyone that I have needed to contact to answer a question has been helpful. Their job is to help you and they also want you to succeed. Without reaching out being successful is difficult and youo will have more road blocks along the way.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition the advice I would give myself would be that big scary campus that you first walked on your junior year of high school isn't so scary after all, so let the butterflies go just because your going to school by yourself. Don't be afraid to fail because it will only make you a stronger person and you will gain so much knowledge. Nothing will come as easy as it did your whole high school career so working and studying harder is essential to surviving in college. You will shed some tears but wipe them and keep on trying because you were build for this and it will be okay. Accept criticism not as someone is trying to put you down but as someone is trying to help you grow and prepare you for the real world. Last but not least the little girl you once was will turn into a young lady, some people will not understand why you've changed but its not meant for them to understand.

If I could go back and tell my high school self some advice I would first say don't stretch yourself too thin. High school was too easy because that you never learned how to study. In college you have to find your way of studying that works and you need to do it fast. Also you came from a small high school going into MIzzou you are goig to have huge classes don't be overwhelmed. Also transitioning in don't take too many hours and speak up when your advisor thinks you need to take more you know what is best for you not them. They don't know you yet! Make lots of connections with many people be nice and make lots of friends; they are very usful for study groups and having good relationships with professors will make you have many references. Professors are not scarey, they are great and will help you in any way possible. Make sure to take advantage of office hours. Tell them your life goals and they will help you achieve.