University of Notre Dame Top Questions

Be prepared to change in ways you never expected and embrace those changes. Entering college was frightening. The campus world seemed so different from home, so alien. I would tell myself to not fear these differences and embrace the freedom of college. This is a time to explore new things, meet new people, and grow into the person you are meant to become. Make friends with people with different philosophies and ideas. In speaking with them you will explore your own beliefs and develop more fully. By trying new things and stepping out of your comfort zone you will enable yourself to see the world in a new perspective. Enjoy this time without growing in frustration or anxiety about the future. Your future will come together better than you planned.

First arriving at college and transitioning into college social and academic life can be a very overwhelming experience. Perhaps the most stressful part of the process is not knowing exactly what to expect or how things operate. The best solution to overcoming this stress and uncertainty is simply to take a few deep breaths and embrace creating friendships and meaningful relationships with the people in your dorm, with whom you will spend much of your college life. Act naturally, be yourself, and find others with similar interests as you; friendships will naturally form, and you?ll reestablish a social group in no time. A key to transitioning into college life is remaining calm and coming to recognize that all the freshmen you meet are in the same situation as you are. In taking college level courses for the first time, the same rule applies: most others in the class will also be freshmen and also have anxiety. The important realization in taking tests is that they are often curved against others in the class who were given the same time and resources as you and are experiencing the same emotions. Simply prepare to the best of your ability and relax.

Knowing what I do now about college and all the adjustments that are made to both your academic and social life, I would be able to advise my high school self to be better prepared for the transition. Going to college is a huge difference from your high school life. No longer do you have your family and your life-long friends to rely on. In stead you are thrown into a world of chaos where people are frantically trying to make friends and adjust. I would tell myself to relax, take a deep breath and remind myself that things will work out. Trying to find your group of friends is one of the biggest challenges that could take a week, month, semester, or even a year. I didn?t meet some of my closest friends until my second year and since my friends have changed dramatically. Also, I would advise myself to get involved in programs or projects that I find interesting and not be intimidated of the idea of showing up to a meeting with out knowing anyone else. With those two tips I think it would have made my transition exponentially easier.

Both of my parents didn't make it to college right out of high school. I didn't have much support or guidance from them other than to work hard. All I knew was that I wanted to get out of my small town. I didn't want to end up on drugs or pregnant. I went to the United States Air Force Academy because I thought that was my only ticket out of there, I didn't even apply to other schools. Now I am at the University of Notre Dame and last semester I got a 3.926. If I could go back I would tell myself that I am capable of so much more than what I was thinking at that time. I would tell myself that I could do anything I set my mind to and that it didn't matter that I went to a terrible public school and grew up in a trailer. I would also tell myself that my hair really doesn't look all that cool. Essentially, I would have told myself to believe in myself, and to never let anyone else make me think I wasn't good enough.

As a high school senior, I knew that I wanted to attend a relatively small, religiously affiliated, highly accredited school. Now that I have completed three semesters at the University of Notre Dame, I have come to realize that I have changed a lot since high school. It's not that I don't enjoy Notre Dame or have pride in my school. The opportunities here for research and job placement are almost unmatched. I have become a different person than I expected though. I have come to discover that I really don't identify with the Catholic faith, and I wish that I went to school that was more arsty and in a larger city. I would advise my high school self to consider lots of different options in schools, not just one type. But knowing that I was able to adjust to my surroundings, I would also tell myself that anywhere I go, hard work will make me successful.

Putting aside the many miniscule details I could recount, I would likely inform my younger self of basic principles upon which one should ground the transition to, and experience within, college life. I would begin with the exhortation to open the heart to facilitate the development of successful and deep friendships, for they will be bedrocks of loyalty and trust if pursued correctly. From there I would admonish myself to cultivate my mind in a way that allows me to approach texts, ideas, and other perspectives with a searching, fair, and critical eye. Rather than suggesting simply to bury myself in books, I would laud the benefits and the enjoyment of learning in other areas as well, whether by going to cultural events on campus or by engaging in thoughtful discussion with friends and professors. When one happens upon some topic that sparks a flame within oneself, then by all means one ought to pursue it fervently and thoroughly. When it came time for me to leave my younger self, I would close with a call to moderation and balance in all things and to a proper ordering of interests: God, family and friends, and life-long learning.

Where you attend college is vital, not only because of the opportunities available, or the degree you earn, but because it helps define what kind of person you become. You grow so much in college, and your school plays a huge role in determining in how you grow. Without neglecting your parents' advice, pick a school that fits you, even if it's not the most prestigious school. Take time in choosing: pray for God to show you what He wants for you. This advice is also fitting with choosing your major. Career practicality should be considered, but more importantly, you should enjoy what you do. If you enjoy your studies, you will perform better, and it will seem less like work, even if it will not result in the most prosperous career. Remember, you are young and can change your mind, and if you let Him, God will show you what He wants you to do with your life. As far as study habits go, build them now, it will make your transition much easier. To be concise, take your time making decisions for your future. Contemplate all angles. The decisions you make now do affect your future.

Start strong

Use this time to establish really good study habits. Know what works for you and keep refining it so that you have a really good system in place for when you go to college. This will really help with getting through classes. Also remember that time management is all on you when you are away at school. There isn't anyone to remind you to do assignments or turn in papers or even attend class. If you don't get yourself well organized and know how long it takes you to accomplish a task you will find yourself behind too often. If you do these things you will have a less stressful and more enjoyable experience in college.

I would first advise myself to step back and figure out what I really enjoy to do. Many people jump into college and make rash decisions when deciding what major to pursue. Most people will pursue a degree in an area that they will make the most money in or will be the most successful, yet many find themselves unhappy with this choice. So the most important piece of advice I would give myself would be to take a major I truly enjoy and will ultimately make me the happiest. Another thing that I would tell myself would be to learn how to manage my time before I even take my first class. The hardest part of college is time management. There are only so many hours in a day that a student is awake and most do not use them wisely. It is so important to keep a list of the things you need to complete and to stay on top of your work. Most people fail at college because of poor time management, and with discipline in time management a student will surely succeed.