University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater know before they start?

Annie

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself many things. First, I would tell myself that college is not as scary as it seems, that I'll make new friends and have a great time. Second, I would really push myself to apply for many scholarships and job opportunities and even though it may not be a problem now, something could happen in the future that it may be. Third, I would reassure myself that all the decisions I made in choosing a college were the right choices and the best for me. Lastly, I would remind myself to be myself when meeting new people in college; I shouldn't pretend to be somebody I'm not.

Atinuke

Knowing what I know now as a college student, I would have definatley continued my education after high school. I say that only because I'm much older and wiser now, and life's challenges are very different when you are 28 years old compared to when I was only 18 and all I had was a cell phone bill and boyfriend issues to worry about. Though I took a few classes here and there at the community college, one of the main reasons I decided not to pursue college was because I really didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. This was extra difficult because my mother (a single mother of three) insisted I attended college no matter what, weather it be by choice or by force, and being the eldest of three I felt very obligated to be the first to complete college. Nevertheless, if I would have known then what I know now, (especially with the economy right now) I would have advised myself to focus on finding what it is I was good at,what my passions were and how it would positvely impact me and my family in the future.

Jill

Papers and assignments come easy for some people in high school, and therefore they can manage to still get good grades without putting much effort into studying for tests. If I could have given myself advice in high school I would suggest spending more time studying. College is different than high school in that grades are not based on how much effort is put into it, but rather on how much is known. Many grades are based solely on the scores from several tests and exams. Doing badly on just one exam can have drastic effects on the final grade in that class. Therefore, it is crucial that much time and effort is put into effectively studying for every test. I would also advise myself to start studying early. Reviewing material a few days after initially learning it can save a lot of time later on. Cramming in a review just a few days before an exam does not allow anyone to perform to their full potential. Therefore, my advice to anybody wanting to get good grades in college would be to put much effort into studying so that taking those important exams can go as soothly as possible.

Mike

To start off, I would tell myself to focus more on academics and get involved with extra curicular activities once I have established a daily routine that I am comfortable with. Starting off being heavily involved with outside only creates stress and makes your college experience less memorable than it should be. I should have waited a bit longer to get involved, that way I could manage my days much easier than I could right now.

Ana

I'm not currently in college, i'm enrolling for spring semester at Marylhurst University. But what I would tell myself about applying for college in general is it's never too early to start filling out for scholarships and do lots of college visits to make sure the college you chose it the closest to perfection.

Ellis

College is going to be different. You can do it, with out a doubt, but keep your priorities straight. Do not be afraid to be by yourself, sometimes you find what you are really looking for after you take a step back. Do not forget about you old friends, they can help you through a lot but don't be afraid to make new ones. These friends are going to be there through your experiences on campus. Don't rush to grow up, you are only going to long to be a kid again.

Melvin

If I could go back in time as a high school senior and talk to myself the advice I would give myself is the rest of your life begins here Melvin. I have come to far to stop and there is a whole big world out here waiting for high school seniors to become college graduates. There are so many opportunities out here and I could become whatever I want to become. I could allow when I graduate high school this transition to make me or break me. I have alot of friends but I need to get my schoolwork and take it very serious especially when I make the transition. I want to join Alpha Phi Beta but how could I do that if my grades didn't look how they are suppose to look? I need to respect myself as well as my instuctors and professors and I can do this by coming to class on time and studying. I could make my books my friend and learn them and respect them. College life would be a great and joyful experience. I will expand my horizon and become involved and dedicated to different clubs and social gatherings/groups.

Cathy

The advice I would give myself would be very beneficial for my past self. It was a hard time because I had lost my father just the year before. It's going to be rough going through college but dad would be very proud from up above, as will the rest of the family from right beside you. Remember to keep up your motivation and continue to work hard. This will pay off by the time you reach your senior year and are applying for graduate school. When beginning, please do not go out so much but remember what is really important. You are attending college to gain a degree with great grades to make your family proud and help you to get somewhere in life; please think about that before you choose to drink / go out too much. Also, there is a time and a place for everything along with priorities; get them straight while you still have that control and motivation. Lastly, no matter what you run into, there is a solution and a reason for it happening so don't panic. Everything will turn out right; keep faith, family, and friends close to heart. Enjoy life!

Stephanie

Some of the best advice I could ever give to myself, or to anyone for that matter, is to get involved around campus. There are so many different organizations and opportunities, some you may never get the chance to be apart of again. The best decision I've made in my three years at college have been getting involved. I am a member of a laboratory research project, section leader in the symphony orchestra, an officer in a sorority, an executive board member to a Greek council, and am applying to become a member in a biological honor society. All that on top of working and school can be a lot, but I've met so many diverse people and have been able to give back to the community that I wouldn't trade any moment for anything else. Getting involved around campus, in whatever way, helps students grow, better see the world around them, and gives them opportunities and experiences that last a lifetime.

Sarah

College is the best years of your life! the hard times and the good times occur while you're in college. you'll have late cram sessions, peer pressure to go out and drink, professors that sometimes you don't get along with, sporting events, personal life and the opportunities to advance in your field. each aspect help you figure out who you are. going through college not only help you to get an advance degree in your field of interest but also figuring out who you are as and individual. it's a stepping stone from leaving the nest of your parents, but it's an opening door to limiltless possbilities that are ahead in the future.