University of South Carolina-Columbia Top Questions

There are many things I can say that would help me make the transition from high school to college. One piece of advice that I would give myself would be to evaluate my study habits. It is important for me to understand that studying in college will be different from studying in high school. Professors, at times, will not tell you how to study for their tests and quizzes. You will have to find that technique out for yourself. Another piece of advice that I would give myself would be to re-assess time management. Time management is very crucial to success in college. From taking 5 to 6 classes, you must find time and set aside time to get homework and studying done. If not, then your academic success will suffer. On the other hand, do not study too much either, for this technique will not help you achieve success in the classroom. Do not be afraid to take breaks. After all, you will not get the job done if you overload your brain without rest.

I would tell myself a couple of things if I could go back and talk to me as a high schooler. First off, I would have reminded myself I'm amazing, and everything turns out okay, so there's no need for me to panic about the advice I'm about to get. I would have told myself to get better study habits, of course, because it's really proving to be something I should have learned before college. Also, I would have told myself to try to get way more scholarships than I did at the time, because it just would have made my entrance to college a lot smoother and less filled with stress over money and such. Another thing I'd have to tell myself, sad as it is, is that I should have quit Team Procrastinator back in high school when it was easier to do. The most important thing I would have told myself, though, would be to keep all my biology class notes, because it all would have come in handy day after day in all my science classes, and would have made the transition flow about 100 times more easily.

If I can go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the advice I probally would have given myself is to take each class serious. Nothing but the truth is what i would like to know instead of myths. Each professor is different and their requirements as well. I would like to tell myself that all time, dedication and patience is needed for a bright and successful future. It is important keep your grades at a high average because it looks better on your behalf. College is a huge difference from high school because of the environment itself. There are no school securities babysitting all the students on campus making sure they get to class on time or even going to your class at all. College is more like a free for all. You must have the strength and willpower to be on top of all your classes and their assignments and most importantly passing all of the finals. By following these guidelines you should be on your way to the top.

As much as I hate to admit it (and with current technology, I'm sure you can tell) I am submitting this application two mere hours before the deadline. I am a self-proclaimed, good-intentioned, to-the-death procrastinator. It's an awful habit. I was told by my dad that, "college is about grades, sleep, and a social life. You only have enough time to pick two." Although I have managed to earn a great GPA with my procrastinating ways, I could have enabled myself to enjoy more than just the grades. Where a balanced person may enjoy some sleep and some social life along with success in college, I pull all-nighters as if I get paid to. There's something about putting off unpleasant things until the last minute... It's to the point where I'll clean the whole house before I feel I can study for that Calculus or Chemistry test. So yes, I am aware of this character flaw. But ah! if only I could have stopped this nasty trait from developing in the first place. High school Emily learned procrastination was okay, and the result is a tired, less-social college Emily.

Make the bestout of every situation

College classes are not easy. The professors don't just give you a good grade because they like you. Make sure you do good in EVERY class because, you will have to retake them to get a better grade. That will make it take longer to get done with your degree. So buckle down in the beginning , not after you realize you've had to retake courses and have your financial aid taken away.

As a high school student, I was enrolled in dual credit courses both my Junior and Senior year. By the time I earned my diploma, I accumulated a total of twenty-one hours of dual-credit course work with a 4.0 GPA. In my opinion, taking those courses were the best decision I could have made. Taking dual-credit courses taught me several key skills that helped me to succeed in college. I was able to learn the most important lesson to succeed in college before I set foot on campus. That lesson was self-discipline. When I was in high school, I didn’t understand how beneficial the courses would be, and at times I would become frustrated and discouraged. It was extremely difficult to watch my friends leave every day for “Senior Early Dismissal” while I sat in our school’s library and worked on my college work. However, if I could go back and talk to myself as a high school student, I would tell myself that all of my hard-work would soon pay off, and I would soon have the advantage over my friends that were able to have the freedom in high school.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself I would tell myself to join clubs, and to learn how to study properly so that when college comes you don't freak out because you don't understand your professor and are prepared to study on your own. Joining clubs is something that will really put you out there and will be able to meet all kinds of different people. College is hard but it would be even harder if you didn't have friends by your side to help you and motivate you through the struggles you will face. Because we all face struggles and no one should have to go throught them alone. I would also say that don't be afraid to challenge yourself with courses you take. Because even though they may be hard you can really learn some lessons that will help you with the rest of your life. This is what I would tell myself if I could go back in time.

I would tell myself to focus more on yourself and not the people around you. You can not live for anyone other than yourself now. Don't be afraid to tell people no. They will eventually get over it and it will save you a lot of trouble. Do not buy any books from the bookstore, because they are much too expensive. Amazon is the way to go. Do not eat out every night; Use your meal swipes even if you get snacks. Use rate your professor before signing up for any class. Waking up is the hardest part so get use to it early. Last but not least, BE SELFISH !! Your sanity depends on it.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to enjoy the high school life as much as you can before I get to college. I would advise myself to go out with friends every weekend if possible, hang out after school as much as I can, and soak in the moment. College is great, but it is completely different than high school. The relationships you have with people in high school are a lot closer because you have known these people for so long. In college people are cool, but you all are more than likely going in completely different paths after graduation. I would tell myself to try to get to know as many people as possible who are also going to the same college as me so that the transition will be smoother. I would tell myself to create good study habits while i'm in high school so that I can pick up where I left off once I begin college. Both college and high school are great in their own ways, but get as much as you can out of the high school experience.