Wichita State University Top Questions

I had the unique experience of not actually being a high school senior. I left my traditional high school experience to be in independent study since I wanted to be an actress. I was in such a hurry to grow up, I missed the oppertunity to go to prom, or grad night. Sure, I gained more life experience in trying to make a living for myself, but I am now missing the typical high school memories that others cherish. This transitions into college; you'll miss out on great memories if you are so concentrated on your classes. Yes, be diligent in them, but try to make time to join a club. Perhaps look into campus activites. I'd let my high school self know that it's ok to have fun and to make memories.

After attending my first semester of college there are many things i wish i would have done as a high school senior to make my college career a better experience. I would tell my high school self to not be lazy and take easy classes when instead i should take the honor and A.P courses. This would give me college credit shortening my college career by a semester or more. I would also tell my high school self to particapate in more volunteer opportunities helping me create a better resume for college and future jobs. Lastly i would tell my high school self to take the ACT test more times to improve my score to increase my chances for a scholarship.

I would like to be able to tell myself to take college alot more seriously! Take classes that fit your sleeping schedule, find a job that is flexible around school. Be more involved in campus activities, and GET A ROOM IN THE DORMS!!!!! Be more open to trying new things, take drama if you didn't in high school, BE INVOLVED!

Some of the best advice I could give my self as a high school senior is don't push yourself too hard, and make time for yourself and friends and family. It is easy to get caught up in the rigamarole of going to school full time and working full time, and you soon find out that you have no time to yourself or spare time for fun with family and friends. It is important to set time aside to decompress from the stress and obligations of life. One important thing that experience has taught me is that not making spare time for stress relief is the one of the quickest ways to get burned out. Burning out leads to poor grades and poor decisions, and can ultimately lead to failing your goals. So, always make time for yourself, friends and family, and remember that all work and no play can lead to a very unsatisfying life.

I would tell myself not to worry so much because 99.9{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the school has the same feeling of nervousness, and anxiety that I felt. During the first day of school I was lost finding my classes and I was too shy to ask the people around me for help which is kind of ridiculous because everyone was a freshman at one point so there should be no shame when it comes to trying to find your class. I would probably tell myself breathe and take it day by day and know that high school is nothing like college. There will be no one telling you where to go and what time you have to get to class or what the homework is because college is a time where you grow and gain your independence, which is not an easy process. I would tell my overly nervous self to breathe and know that college can be a daunting place but the only way to grow is jump out of your comfort zone, take a leap of faith into the adult world and gain your sense of freedom and independence.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself I would make sure to tell myself to retake the ACT test, although I did fairly well I would like to have studied harder and gotten closer to a 30 on the test. I would also make sure I told myself to have more drive and determination to fill out more scholarship applications no matter how much I may not have wanted to do so. No one ever told me that in order to make it to sophomore status I would need to acquire 30 hours during my first year that was important information that I would tell any high school senior. The last and final thing I would tell myself is, just because you make good grades in high schol it does not mean they are going to pay for you to go to college, you should make good grades but dont bank on those to send you all the way through college without having to fill out more scholarship applications.

The one thing that I would tell myself as a high school student transitioning to a college student would be to get out of my comfort zone. I wish that I would've gotten to know the people living on my floor more because I feel that I lost out on some potential friendships. Getting to know people is what the college experience is all about so I would tell my senior self to stop being so introverted and start being more fun!

Dear Aria of 2008, Think of college like Darwin's theory, "survival of the fittest"! To be apart of the "fittest" you will need to understand how important grades are and how critical it is to manage your money and time. If you act on these understandings you will see the advantages you will have over your peers when it comes to applying for scholarships, internships, and graduate school. Partying and boyfriends will always be available at some point in your life while school will not. So stay strong and determined to achieve your goals without any distractions. Always remeber your family and friends will be there to help you get through the emotial stress college can put you through. Be prepared for anything as college comes with MANY struggles and challenges. Also, have fun and meet as many people as you can for you may need their connection in the future. Most of all feel blessed and grateful that you have the opportunity to make your own future, for many can not. With love from afar, Aria of 2011

Right now there is a lot of pressure to pick the perfect college, but whichever school you end up attending will be as good as you make it. There are four key things I’d like you to know though: First, RESIST the urge to buy things whenever you feel like it when you get your financial aid refund in. This can easily turn into a bad habit and before you know it you will be broke and in debt. So save as much as you can from this refund and any money you make from working. Second, utilize career services early on so you’re not in your third year of college and still have no idea what you want to major in! Third, it will be okay that you and your best friend don’t go to the same school; you’re going to meet some amazing people who you have a lot more in common with and are even better friends. Lastly, talking to your teachers when you are having problems understanding or completing assignments will help you pass a lot of classes! Stay smart and confident, college is going to be great!!

I would have told myself that you don't have to have the cash to pay for college upfront. I didn't start college untill I was 28 because I was unaware of the resorces available to me. If I had started right after high school I'd have my masters. I also didn't realize the importance of a college education. I started in the aircraft industry at 18. I thought it was a career ,but it was not stable and the pay cuts off after you get so high. no matter what you want to be when you grow up; get into college and at least start your general eduacation courses.