University of St Thomas-Saint Paul Top Questions

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to stay focused on school. It is so easy to slip into the "senior slide" because of all the excitement of graduating. I did take AP courses and I would assure myself that was the right thing to do. I'd even reccommend taking more as well as focusing on my grades in College in the Schools Spanish. I would also tell myself not to stress out so much because everything will work out for the best. Lastly, I'd make sure I would have focused more on networking. It is so important to branch out and make connections with new people, because you'll never know when you'll need some piece of information that they might have. Mostly, I'd tell myself to keep pushing through and don't slack off!

If I could go back in time and give myself advice I would have told myself that although this new step in life is huge and life-changing, it is also not a matter of life and death. I used to think college was scary and picking the wrong college or major would result in an unsatisfying career and lifestyle. However, looking back I would recommend to that worried teenager to just breathe and accept what happens because the choices I made then were only the first I would have to answer to. Even though I sometimes feel as though I am jumping into things head-first and it scares me, it is still worthwhile.

No matter how much effort or work you put into getting ready for college it is all pointless because until you get everything unpacked in your dorm room and your parents walk out that door, there is no way to prepare yourself for what you will feel. So stop worrying, you will be fine, and keep your head held high even through all the hardships you may endure.

I would advise myself to treat everything as a new experience and to be open to as many experiences as possible right away. The sooner you get involved on campus, the more easily you will adjust, make friends and make the new college a home for yourself. Be selfish in the sense that this is the one time in your life when you can be yourself, be who you want to be and do what you want to do. You're here to learn for yourself, not for anyone else. So enjoy this time and explore who you are. Get help when you need it. Make sure you discipline yourself to study a fair amount of hours each day. If you are having a hard time, get actively involved in helping yourself out to do better in classes. Make sure that if you get homesick, try to fight that off and gain independence to live on your own. Stay involved with friends and make sure you have things to do, especially early on.

When I made my college decision, I really didn't now what factors would be important to me once I got to college. Now that I'm here, there are definitely a few things I wish I had known would matter to me. For instance, if there's something extracurricular that you enjoy doing, definitely make sure to choose a college that will make it possible for you to continue doing that. Personally, I really love horseback riding, but being at a college in the city I'm unforunately unable to continue that activity. I never even considered that when choosing a college. I took the transition process very slowly - buying my college gear and packing over a long period of time rather than hurrying it all at once - and I'm very glad I did that. It made the whole thing much less of a shock and allowed me to prepare myself for leaving home. College is totally different from high school, so there's really no good way to effectively prepare yourself before you get there - you just have to be willing to take each change and adapt accordingly.

Apply to college early. look at all your options and listen to your parents advice. Visit colleges and see which one you like best...its very important to like your school and feel part of it. I would apply to the University of St. Thomas right away and not wait to go through 2 other colleges to finally find the one you love. I would tell myself that college is very different than high school but also silimar in a way because it requires a lot of detication and determination to finish it and build your career afterwards.

The biggest piece of advice I could give to myself as a senior in high school is that you should do everything you can to make yourself a more well-rounded person. I would tell myself to take as many AP classes that I could so that I could have those credits trasnfered to college. I would also tell myself that even though you may already be accepted to a college, that does not mean you should slack off.

If I were able to talk to my senior self I would recomend trying as many new things as I possibly could. The best way to find out who you truly are, is to try new and different things. There is no better time to get to know yourself than in the most transitional phase of your life. Make sure you find a school that gives you the opportunity to learn and grow in all aspects like academics, athletics, involvement, etc. Find a school that you are proud of, because if you're not proud of yourself for going there, do you really think an employer will be interested? Be sure to use all your schools resources to make the best informed decision you can. It's really important during your college search that you make your school decision based on your own interests. You are the person who will be attending the school for the next four (plus) years, so you will want to be sure that you enjoy it. Finding the right school for your interests and your plans of future is key to finding happiness for the future. Good luck, and you know what to do!

The most important thing that I would tell myself is to not to worry about getting straight A's in college. Even though you had straight A's in high school doesn't mean you will in college. You actually will enjoy the classes you take because you get to pick your major and what you want to focus on. The important thing is to learn, not getting A's all of the time. This is the hardest thing that I had to get through my head, but once you stop stressing about the letter grade and you know you're doing your absolute best, the class room becomes so much more enjoyable. I would also tell myself that it is extremely important to make new friends. Old high school friends might be there to talk to you but they may not be able to be there for you all of the time. You need to learn to let go. Friends are important because they not only are there to study with you but they take away some of the stress that college may bring you. Friends can enhance your college experience both in and out of the classroom.

Please, Do not stress over all the possible college options you have. Tours are the best option, the give you a real feeling for the school. Also, be organized! Keep track of the schools and scholarships you have applied for. When you get to school, get involved in fun clubs and organizations. Explore campus, and take advantage of all the ammenities you are paying for. Living on campus allows you to make many new friends, and clubs will help too. Remeber, the most important thing about college is your classes. Focus on them first, and study hard! Use the academic resources the school provides. Surround yourself with people who value their health and who concentrate on their academics. College is fun! Meet lots of new friends, and be involved: it will help you find a great career opportunity. Have a great time, good luck at school!