University of Missouri-Kansas City Top Questions

Aubrey, You're going to have to be a self starter. There isn't going to be someone over your shoulder or behind your back telilng you what to do and when to do it. It's up to you to get your work in on time and study for your tests. Secondly, you need be a self starter and a self motivator... Listen! There will always be people to encourage you, but you are your own worst enemy... don't be too hard on yourself, but don't ease up too much either. At the end of the day your self motivation is what's going to matter the most in the end. Always try and exceed expectations, especially your own. It's going to be easy to say you'll do better next time, but who's to say you won't be saying that next time too? If you're not giving it you're 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} chances are you'll never give it 110{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} next time. Last, but not least, don't compare yourself to others. You are different, therefore your work is going to be different and that is perfectly fine!

I would be more involved. So many people do well academically. To really set yourself apart you should be involved in a lot of things - additionally, be involved in things you are passionate about. Colleges like to see that you are driven and truly passionate about things. It could be the difference between you and another candidate.

I would tell myself that I only have one chance and to make sure that I study harder than I did in high school. I would also tell myself to have more patience and have fun! One last thing I would tell myself is to audition for the university choir during the summer.

I would advise myself to live in the dorms for a year and make as many friends as possible. Make use of every school sponsored activity and visit the library as much as possible. Once you have become comfortable with the school environment your opportunity to thrive increases greatly. Make good use of the school faculty, visit during office hours, have meaningful conversations in and out of the classroom. A university setting isn't just about going to class, doing the work and taking tests, it's about making use of a community of intelligent individuals. I would tell myself to fully immerse my mind in my academics, don’t just skate through college on the surface. Dig deep and discover your full potential as an enlightened and intelligent human being.

Oscar Wilde once said, “I am not young enough to know everything.” I started college right after high school with learning disabilities. However, I was young, headstrong and I did not want help. The prospect of being helped caused me to feel that I was less intelligent than my peers. Therefore, I decided to do it on my own. Well, I did do it on my own. As a result, my GPA suffered and I had countless frustrating nights studying. This could have all been avoided if I was not so stubborn and if I realized that I didn’t know everything. Now that I am not as headstrong, I have found myself wanting and finally asking for help. It is a relief to finally get the books from class on audio, so that decoding the information takes less time. In the past, reading felt endless. It is necessary to ask for help whenever you need it, even if that help is as small as asking for tutoring services if you are struggling in class. It does not make you stupid if you ask or need help. It makes you a stronger and more knowledgeable person in the end.

If I have a chance to talk to myself as a high school senior is to let me know that I should not let anyone suggest what to study in college; otherwise, I would end up unhappy with what I am doing in my academics and in my life. I should also tell myself to apply and look for more colleges, instead of being limited by one college choice. Also, I should tell myself not to let anyone influence myself to go to a specific college, and I should explore many other colleges with similar academic programs I want to study.

If I could go back in time, I wouldn't just give myself advice, I’d give my entire class advice, because it’s imperative that students know what they’re getting themselves into. College isn’t exactly what high school students expect it to be; it’s quantifiably better, but it wouldn't hurt to have a few helpful tips. For starters, free food is your friend. If there is free food available, take it by storm. Second, either buy your textbooks online, or be prepared to sell your soul to the university bookstore for their outrageously overpriced selections. Purchasing textbooks online saves money, money that can be used to buy other things, like friends, or better yet, food. Third, score high on the ACT; your wallet depends on it (I kid). Start looking early for scholarship opportunities, and if necessary, loans. Being able to afford school is important, and though the thought of being in debt may be intimidating, the thought of working at McDonalds because you never got a degree is worse. Lastly, respect others, make tons of friends, and be ready to work harder than you ever have before. Never give up, it’s worth it.

Advice for the former me as a senior in high school would have been greatly appreciated. I would want me to know that a four-year school is the best way to start off. Just jump right in the deep end and be excited and open to new experiences. I would advise myself to get involved in a few organizations that really matter and are important to me. I would ask myself what I am passionate about and what goals I have. I would let myself know that if I don't have all the answers now, that its ok, but VERY important to find my path early and do all I can to use the campus resources to my advantage. As the later self advising the younger self, I would remind myself that college is a wealth of opportunity and to take full advantage of such. My closing advising words for my younger self would be to "show up for life"; a little quote I heard on a daytime talk show that resonates within. Show up for life.

I fee as though I have gotten many things out of my collage experience so far, and that I have many more experiences to look forward to. One of the most notable things that I have gotten out of my collage experience is that I have seen a notable improvement in the skills I will need for my career. My art and professional social skills have benefited from my college education so far and I expect them to expand even further as I progress towards earning my degree.

The college experience is part of growing up and just being here for one semester so far, i have learned a lot about myself and life in general. I have definitely became a more independent person while living on my own and don't have to turn to my parents for everything. The college experience has also helped me become more confident and outgoing. Not knowing many people coming into college, getting involved and making new friends was a big challenge for me. At first i was a little shy, but i learned to not care what people think and people will like you for who you are.