Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Top Questions

DO NOT TAKE COLLEGE LIGHTLY! It is harder than you think and you must READ the assigned text and really dedicate yourself to your work and ignore all other distractions. Reach out to people and meet lots of people within the first couple weeks, dont just limit yourself to the people that you know from High School.

Top 10 most important things to know: 10. Talking to people is scary, but the alternative is loneliness, so be brave. 9. Do the reading. Even if the professor goes over it in class, reading helps you remember it. 8. Answering questions in a room with three-hundred other students is terrifying, however, your professors will notice. 7. Managing your finances carefully is one of the best ways to avoid frustration. 6. Use your meal plan. Otherwise you end up buying a bunch of sodas trying to use it up by the end of the year. 5. Don't take your computer to class. Ditto for your phone. It's way too tempting, distracting, and will make your professor angry. 4. Keep doing what you love. Find a way to work it into your schedule. 3. A failed test does not mean you fail the class. It does mean you need to change your approach to the class. 2. Cut everyone, professors included, some slack, they all have a lot of pressure on them too. 1. Let go of worry. Whether it's about an upcoming test, a paper you submitted, or concern over being liked, letting go is healthy.

When I was in high school, I was worried about what would happen afterwards with all the money I would need to recieve for college and bills. I believe I scared myself into just joining the military and then when that fell through I didn't know what to do. If I could go back, I would tell myself that worrying about what was going to happen was a normal thing but the scholarships were still out there. I would also warn myself to apply for them even if I thought I was going into the military just in case things didn't work out, that way I could have a back up plan. Taking full advantage of what is given to you doesn't make you seem greedy. It only makes you seem eager to pursue your eduaction and interest in the future. Being able to take part in that is a wonderful thing and anyone that was in your situation would be greatful to take full oppurtunity of everything they could. Not only would I give this advice to myself, I would also give this advice to my friends and family because education will always be worth something.

It's ok if you don't have a defined career path, just be open and explore all posssibilities that interest you. You have to take responsibility, but don't be afraid to seek help. And above all else have alternate plans. Doing what you love is important just be prepared that it may not pay the bills so find alternative choices in the case that plans change. Find a path that can lead you anywhere, not pigeon hole you to certain job or area. Keep a balance of social activities and academics, don't tie yourself down! Make and keep contacts that can help you network-get to know professors, TAs, anyone who may help you later and don't be afaid to ask for their help or references.

Knowing what I know now and returning back to alert myself about the upcoming school year would have been an invaluable tool. Having only been away from home and in school for three months the knowledge and experience I have gained will last me a lifetime. The first thing I would tell myself is to relax and not stress out at the prospect of leaving my family and friends and taking on the challenges of college all alone. I found out that I was not alone. The quick and long lasting friendship I made in the first several weeks of school eased my transition so well. The the biggest concern I had upon leaving home was how quickly I would transition to college life. I found it to be a rather smooth transition and I made more friends in the first several weeks of school than I did in four years of high school. Being able to return and tell myself, "Hey this isn't so bad." would have been the best advice I could have given myself. In closing, I love college and I would not trade the experiences I have already gained for anything in the world.

Many students in high school make all A's, in college though, that is no easy task. The best advice I could give would be that grades are not everything in college. They are important, but there is only so much you can study before you drive yourself up the wall. Experience college not only through your classes but also through your friendships. If you don't give yourself time to rest and relax, college won't be any fun for you. Be safe, be smart, and make good grades!

You have so much potential but because things come easy to you, you don't apply yourself as much as you should. Stop being so lazy now so that you can aquire the study skills that you will need in college. College is completely different from high school and things won't be as easy for you as they are now. You are very bright and talented so take advantage of those gifts and put them to use! Love you!

Dear Past-Me, Greetings. I know you are well and eager to jump into our college experience. As your future-self, I possess the unique ability to give you a heads up about what to expect at our new school and to advise you on how to prepare. Firstly, I should warn you that high school is NOTHING like college. We have developed useful study skills over the years, but I must tell you now that we need to step it up a notch if we can hope to survive this experience. Plan on studying at least eight hours a day. Deal with your homework assignments as soon as possible and don't procrastinate. Secondly, be sure to get enough sleep. It is tempting to stay up late and party, but I promise you'll regret it during your exam. Thirdly, take care of yourself. Nutrition directly influences your grades, so eat healthy and excercise frequently. It may seem trivial, but as your future-self, I can tell you it makes a difference. Lastly, have fun. College is an amazing experience, and you don't want to waste it. The friendships you make will last a lifetime. Sincerely, Future-You

There are many things I would go back and talk to myself as a high school senior. First, I would tell myself that I need to take more college credit classes in order to make my schedule in college not so difficult. Also, I would convince myself to take better notes and keep them organized. This is important so that I can go back and look at them when I am in college. Another thing I would talk to myself about as a high school senior is to study a lot more for Advanced Placement tests. I talk to myself about that because if I could have done a little bit better on those tests I could have gotten out of taking some college courses. Lastly, I would tell myself to relax and have a fun senior year. Before coming to college I worried a lot about what it would be like, so now that I realize how it really is, there was no need to stress and worry about how my life would be after high school.

Learning to manage your time is the most important thing that you can have. Everything else will fall into place as long as you can be able to balance studying, sleeping and relaxing. Also, do not be afraid to socialize and make lots of new friends. Networking is a great way to learn material in class and get connections to companies and things of that nature.