University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Top Questions

If I could go back in time to tell my high school senior self anything about college, I would tell myself to study more and to look and apply for more scholarships. I lacked motivation to do that my senior year and instead enjoyed my last remaining moments at home with my friends. However, this year as a college freshman I am pushing myself to apply for more scholarships. I also studied a lot as a senior but I could have studied more and I could have taken more AP or IB tests which would have given me more credits coming into college. Even though I can see in hindsight things that would have made my life easier now, I know that there is no way I regret any of my decisions and I'm still thrilled about being in college and working towards my degree.

In high school, I was extremely aware of who I was and where I was going. Going to college was a total shockwave that I was unprepaired for. The atmosphere and homesickness was an extremely sensitive situation. I had to return home and enroll in online classes. If I could go back and tell myself one thing it would be, "Your freshman year of college will be one of the most difficult and trying experiences of your life. But you will be a better and stronger person for it. If you need a break, do not think you have failed. Others may talk about your "failure", but only you and your family know the truth. And that is all that matters."

If I could go back in time and give advice to myself during my senior year, I would tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as possible and to follow up on any issues regarding financial aid paperwork. I had quite a lot of problems with the financial aid office regarding my fafsa; the office accidentally lost some important documents that I had mailed them, and because of that my much needed grants and loans were delayed for months. This delay could have forced me to drop out of my freshmen year at college and give up my dreams of being a Meteorologist, but luckily my recently widowed father was able to help with the costs by making severe cuts in his budget and selling his car. I would advise myself to constantly call the financial aid office with any questions or concerns, and to research grants and loans more thoroughly.

Going back to high school, knowing what I know now as a college student, I would give myself different tips on succeeding and avoiding certain things. First, tell myself to get involved on campus, but not over involved! It?s a good thing to try different organizations and volunteering with these groups would be an awesome experience. Second, studying. You will have to study in order to maintain the goal GPA that you would like. Meeting people in your classes, and forming study groups are also good ideas, you learn and understand things in a different perspective. Third, Exercise as much as you eat. You do not want to gain the freshman 15! Don't party too much, for every party you go to do 3 positive things to replace it such as volunteering, going to an organization meetingds and homework. College is a great experience and it?s said to be the best years of your life. As long as you do your work, study and communicate with your professors often you will do good. Being social is also a good thing, making new friends and experiencing different ethnicities, cultures and traditions. Stay prepared you will do great!

I would tell myself that college is NOTHING like I thought it would be. It is nothing like the movies make it out to be. School plays a much bigger part than having fun than I would have expected.

As a high school senior, I was focused on just getting finished with school. Sure I was enrolled in all AP classes and didn't take electives, to make sure I was prepared for college, but I lost my ability to have fun and enjoy my high school career. If I could go back and talk to myself, I would tell myself to "Enjoy the time you have here. College is a lot different than high school, but you are prepared for it. So stop stressing out about every little detail and learn to live a little because you only have one chance, so don't blow it. College is the time to buckle down and pursue your dreams. So relax, you are good enough and you will do just fine, if you stop stressing out."

I would encourage myself and remind myself "do not procrastinate. Work on homework in a timely manner, but make time to have fun. Innocence is ok, you do not have to experience everything to be a complete person. This will be one of the best times in your life; take time to do the ridiculous. Excercise will help your mind to focus. Other people are working on the same things, help them and ask for help when you need it. Appearances can mean everything and nothing. No matter how people appear, there will always be something about them that surprizes you; take time to see it. Remember, family is one of the greatest support, and this is when you find out how strong you are."

Going back to talk to myself as a High School senior, the first piece of advice i would've given myself is to find financial assistance through all of the online scholarips available. There are many ways of getting funds for your education yet there are so many students that need it but are unaware. No matter how hard a class maybe always remain focused. Tutors are always available when needed, so if you need help find it and get it. The level of work will become accelerated but seek help out and talk with your professors. Many of them are willing to help and make sure you understand the material. Enjoy your life in college and meet people. Introduce yourself and get aquainted. People respond well to that in college and you can make new friends easily. Last but certainly not least put God first and all will fall into place. Your path through college will be a lot smoother with him infront leading the way.

As a high school senior you think that you are king of the world and that you know that when you get to college you are going to just know everything your teachers say before they say it. But that is definately not the truth. Take your time and actually learn what your teachers are saying, dont just memorize dates and names and expect to remember all of the information three months down the road. And dont stress about finding new friends, that happens naturally, if you make the right choices and be who you really are, you wont have any trouble with finding friends. In these first two semesters i have learned that you dont know what exactly what you want to do when you get here, so dont be afraid to explore diferent majors to find your place in the world. Last thoughts... Dorms are amazing and college is one of the greatest times in your life. Enjoy!

I would tell myself that above all things, above fraternity life and parties and all the fun things that college has to offer, grades are by far most important. I would've told myself about my aspirations of Medical School, and how starting college off on a good semester is a much better idea. All in all though, college is an experience that no matter hiw much advice you get from anyone, including a hypothetical future self, you have to take it day by day, and learn it through jumping in head first. I would'nt have wanted my first semester in college, although things could've gone differently and could've been better, any other way than it was.