Wayne State University Top Questions

I would tell my high school self to go to the University that offers the most or best scholarships and to pick a University that is known for it's academics. College is a blast, but in the long run, you need to focus on what is in your best interest for the future.

Apply for scholarships, research cost of attendance, and expect the unexpected.

When I started college, my biggest mistake was isolation. I felt overwhelmed by a big school, lots of people, new classes, etc., so I did not reach out to make many friends. I relied on friends I had from high school and home, as well as my boyfriend. I sheltered myself and missed out on a lot of opportunities to meet new people and experience new things. I would telly myself to get involved in something, whether it be a sport, club, activity, it doesn't really matter. Just be involved. Make friends. Don't just stay home and do homework all of the time. There are many ways to make a large school feel smaller; Being involved in something and developing a group of friends is one way to make that happen.

As a college junior, I have matured a lot since I was a high school senior. If I could go back, I would tell myself to not always work too hard because I missed out on some of the social experience. I was also very shy and so it was hard to connect to many of my classmates. The most important piece of advice I would give myself is to start the college scholarship search even sooner! I started while I began my college career at a community college. At that time, my family did not need the extra help financing my education. Now I am attending a 4 year university and am struggling to pay the bills. I would of applied much sooner if I knew how much of a struggle it is to pay for a 4 year university.

I would talk myself into picking the correct career and be well informed of the requirements to completing the courses. Read more about a variety of colleges. Prepare for college by gaining good test taking skills, study habits, and pacing myself for class. assignments.

I would definitely tell myself that I should enjoy every moment learning and try my very best to benefit from everything my teachers/professors were trying to teach me. It seemed like I was always in a rush to take the courses and finish. I looked at college as a "tedious task." I would tell myself to not look at going to college as a chore but to be more actively engaged in my learning process and to be more inquisitive. I would tell myself "Choose a career that you see not only yourself doing for the rest of your life, rather a career where you can't see yourself living without. Don't choose a career that you think would be easy for you, rather choose a career that you know is going to challenge you because challenges are healthy and they help you reach your maximum potential. Be serious about going to college/university and DON'T TAKE TIME OFF; that may set you up for failure. Nothing is ever too hard, if you put your mind to it, you can do it! Where there is a will, there's a way. ENJOY ever minute of it!"

Moving out is a great opportunity for people to grow and make new friends, but it's not for everyone. It's certainly not for you. Stop rushing to get away and start appreciating your family (and free food and lodging) more. A lot of anxiety comes from starting college, and without friends and family around you it's hard to handle. You are going to be much happier commuting and staying closer to you friends, family, and job. Make sure you talk to someone the first day of every class, you'll make some amazing friends that way. Don't be self conscious if you end up eating alone in the cafeteria - nobody is judging you. Your classes may seem pointless sometimes, but I promise that you will learn a ton of stuff in every one. Not just about that subject, but about yourself and people around you and life. Don't skip classes, you're mssing out and your grade will drop. Also, don't date that one guy. What are you even thinking? Good luck, and have fun discovering who you are.

Listen, high school-me, I'm here to tell you to get your act together and to get off your high horse. I know that you're getting good grades and are basically breezing through high school, but you need to abandon that cocky attitude that you have. That "I'm coasting through high school, I'll do the same in college" attitide. It's a very ignorant way of thinking. You don't even study. I get it, you're smart, but you have to put more effort into your school career, because-take my word for it-college is a completely different ballgame. You CANNOT coast through these college courses, it's not as easy as you think. If you keep going on the way you are now, you WILL fail! You will lose your scholarship and will be on academic probation. I know that I'm being hard on you, but you need to hear this. You're really smart, so start actually applying yourself. Pick up a book. Study. Spend time looking over your notes. If you do this, there will be nothing stopping you from accomplishing your goals. You can do it, kid...trust me.

Dear young, naive Kayla, Don’t take life so seriously. Confidence is key (or the appearance of confidence) even when you’re falling apart inside and about to throw up. Smile more. You will make hundreds, maybe even thousands of mistakes… THEY ARE NOT THE END OF THE WORLD. Your high school love will not last. There is not one person on this earth who doesn’t grow into someone new from age 14 to19. Always look at the bright side of things. Being so dismal all the time really brought you down as a person. Go for it. Really spend your time focusing not on high school grades, but finding out who you are and what you’re interested in. Don’t hesitate. Enjoy the sheer simplicity of football games, friends, dances and school spirit while you can. It is truly the best time of your life. Please, please do not eat that sub sandwich from the cafeteria on January 14th. Food poisoning was horrendous. And most importantly…never once doubt yourself. I guess you can say clichés are meant for more than graduation speeches and wedding toasts.

I would tell myself not to take on so many classes as an incoming freshmen. Create a study group, ask my professors for help, think postive , and have the courage to ask for help. Bring a tape recorder or laptop to take notes , try to make friends so that your not always stressed about classes. Also AIM HIGHER and never give up no matter how hard it gets.