Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Top Questions

Put in hard work and then some.

When I was in high school, everything was a competition between me and my classmates. Sometimes, it was healthy competition. However, it often made me feel like I wasn't good enough compared to all of those around me. No one told me that I should instead be concentrated on trying to improve myself. I should have been working harder for my future, not for others approval. Coming to college, I realize that it doesn't matter how my class ranking was in comparison to a classmate. No one you meet in college has any idea what you accomplished in high school. They only pick up on the habits that you gained and the way you care about you future. In the end, all you have is the effort that you put in to set yourself up for a good life, the best way you can. And not for anyone else, but for yourself.

I was very stressed out and socially anxious in high school. If I could go back, I would tell myself to relax because it does get better. After being thrown in with all of your peers, you will be in a situation forcing you to socialize with other people and I got over my shyness quickly! As for the anxiety...with my social awkwardnss out of the way, I realized I could turn to classmates if I had questions about class or any other life problem. My advice to all high school seniors would be to take advantage of every opportunity to try a new experience and really work on any weaknesses you feel you have. This is the perfect time for strong personal development with the amazing opportunities you are afforded while in school.

I would probably tell myself to not worry so much about the change, and think more about the long term future with respect to jobs, my interests, etc. I would remind myself to be my own person and go after whatever I wanted to do.

As I searched the coffee house for a booth, I saw my younger, nonchalant self from my high school days. I called him over to sit and talk to him about his future, but as always, the future was not what he wanted to focus on. I remember when I was like that, stubborn and cocky. To get his attention, I told him about the awesome adventures I had in college. What caught his attention was the “party life” at Virginia Tech. It was unbelievable what goes on at those parties but, partying does come with a price. Study time is lost which is an important aspect in college. I explained to him that college will be easy if your time is managed efficiently. It becomes difficult when you wake up with a hangover and you have unfinished calculus homework that should have been completed in advance. The key is balancing your leisure time and school work. With this advice, you will have fun while leaving with a degree, and obtaining a dream career. I left my younger self with a different outlook on what is necessary to put yourself on the right path and succeed in college.

I would tell myself to learn how to study because I was one of those kids who got good grades but barely studied (I actually took AP classes so I can't accuse myself of not applying myself). Take AP Physics more seriously and make sure you actually understanding everything, because physics now is just as hard plus you have thermodynamics to learn, good luck. Go get a job, you are going to need money for yourself in college, and your parents are not going to always have money for you. Also you get some job experience and something to actually put on your resume! And lastly don't waste space in the car by bringing your cello, you aren't going to make the orchestra and you won't even have time to play it for fun, use the extra space to bring more food.

To That Pained High School Senior: I know it hurts, you’re claustrophobic and world is closing tighter and no one, not even your most beloved friends, are around to help. But you will make it out alive, you need to focus on healing and mentally loving yourself right now because that’s what will help you survive. Forget about whether or not he loves you because his love does not define you, it doesn't validate you. Stop worrying about those who were not there when you fell from grace, forgive them because if you are to heal right, you must remove the obstruction causing the wound, and that is your anger and resentment. Right now, you may be so lonely it feels like you are drowning, and baby girl we all know you can't swim, but there is no better time to learn than now. Because get this, one day you're going to climb this gorgeous mountain with these beautiful people, and you will witness a most magnificent waterfall and let me tell you, on that day you will willingly plunge yourself into icy depths, swim to shore and realize even in darkness you can grow.

In high school, I lived by the words "if you wait until the last minute, it only takes a minute to do." All through my high school career, that motto worked for me because I had not been challenged at a college level. If I could go back to myself in high school, I would say: "don't get used to putting everything off until the end." It may not be the most profound statement, but it summarizes the largest change in my lifestyle since I left home. In college thus far, I have completely changed how and when I do all of my work. Earlier this semester, I found myself listening to online lectures in order to get ahead of the class. Past me from two years ago would have laughed, but as a result I was able to finish the points based class three weeks before finals week. Finishing that class early gave me the opportunity to study for my other challenging classes. If I still lived by my high school motto, I would be suffering at this very moment attampting to complete my online lecture class.

If you have the slightest idea of what you might want to study in college, apply for that major when you apply for the school instead of going into a general studies program. It will save you the trouble of having to force add classes that you want/need to take. I know the course loads can be overwhelming, but if you manage your time well enough, you can easily stay on top of it and still have time for socializing.

Rachael, DO NOT LISTEN TO WHAT HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS SAY ABOUT COLLEGE. It's not scary; the professors do actually care; and the work isn't impossibly hard. Virginia Tech has so many people rooting for you; Staff, faculty, other students. Everyone is on your side. That being said, nobody wants you to succeed more than you do, so push yourself. Don't rely on teachers to remind you of an assignment or answer a question that you haven't asked or ask you to come to office hours when you fail a quiz. Tech provides you with amazing resources, so don't be scared when teachers claim getting help in college is wishful thinking, but, with that said, you still have to help yourself and be willing to reach out. Your professors aren't scary. They're people! People whose main goal is to make sure you pass the test. If professors are too intimidating, go to TAs. If you're still too scared, form study groups with friends. They could probably benefit from it as much as you and nobody says no to making studying less painful! Don't be afraid to get your money's worth! Rachael