American University Top Questions

Don't be afraid to get involved, try new things, talk to new people and just have fun. As long as your head is in the right place, your grades will be fine - but these years go by way too fast to be worried about grades all the time. Explore the city more, take advantage of all the things the campus and DC has to offer. Learn the bus system by just getting on it and getting lost! See all of the museums! Go to concerts and talks! These are years far too important to waste. And staying busy and distracted is the perfect way to meet people and will ease the transition from home life to college life. There is a reason you came all the way out to DC for college, don't forget it!

While there are many factors affecting the selection of a college, place an emphasis on the value of the education received. I found myself easily adaptable to widely differing campuses and school cultures; thus, retrospectively I would approach the selection process like a finance calculation (weigh the full cost of attendance against the anticipated long term value of the degree earned). In order to calculate the anticipated long term value, I would advise myself to: Fully understand the value derived from a college with a strong brand. Simultaneously, be cognizant that there are a multitude of highly competitive opportunities available to students from lesser-known schools. A high performing student from a mid or low-level university may be afforded more opportunities than an average student at a well known school, because recruiters and hiring managers appreciate achievement. Thus, consider the ability to excel when factoring for strength of the brand.

First and foremost I appreciate this opportunity. I would tell myself work hard and strive to the best I can be. I was fortunate to be selected to the rotary youth exchange program and spent time in Spain learning the culture and language. This was a lifelong dream of mine and one fullfilled next is to become a medical doctor. I will start my freshman year this fall and want to be a pediatric plastic surgeon. Very Respectfully, Emily McElwaine

If I could give myself any advice about college life and the transition, it would be have confidence in yourself. I am not going to lie. The transition from high school to college can be intimidating. Class sizes go frm 25 students to 300 students, and professors could care less if you pass. However, it is possible to thrive in college. It's important to take studying seriously and find what study method works for you. It is different for every person. Get involved in an activity you love, becuase that will make the transition smoother. However, none of this will happen if you are not confident with your abilities. So go in to school brave and confident. You are ready for this. You will not fail. You will have a blast.

Stop messing around, pay attention in class, and concentrate on your grades. If you don't, you will be 29 years old on unemployment raising an 8 year old little girl by yourself. Why? Because the "boy" that's distracting you right now in high school, is going to be a good for nothing in 12 years. Then, you will be forced to wait until your almost 30 to finally begin school, making it much much harder to obtain your college degree 11 years out of high school as an adult with adult responsibilities!

After my first year of college, being able to talk to myself when I was a senior in high school would have greatly impacted where I am right now. I have always thought of myself as a good student and one thing sticks out to me that I would share with my high school senior self that would help better my college self. During my senior year I was fortunate enough to be accepted into my schools porter scholar program and I was able to take a class at Beloit College during my first semester of my senior year. This experience really helped show me what college was going to be like and made the transition much easier. However, I was not able to take part in this program my second semester due to the number of advanced placement classes I was enrolled in. Knowing what I know now, I would tell myself to do anything possible to take advantage of the porter scholar program again to gain more college experience and make my transition from high school to college even easier for me.

I would tell myself to take high school much more seriously. There are a ton of scholarships out there for students, but to get them you need to stand out. I stayed in with the pack when I was in high school and never took any opportunities to shine bright as a student. I wish I took advantage of all the clubs, organizations, and activities that were offered and exposed myself to more experiences. I also wish I was more focused in high school on my academics. I had the potential to be a great student, I just lacked the drive back then to do so (it must have been those teenage hormones...). But when I went to community college I knew exactly what I needed to do to succeed, and earned a 3.9 GPA. I cannot change the past, but I learned from my mistakes and actively participate in class and focus on my studies, while also taking the time to join school organizations at my current university. At the end of the day the best advice is to live life to the fullest and enjoy every step of the way, happiness is the greatest gift of all.

As a high school senior, I was just like everyone else: apprehensive, intimidated, confused, and at the same time wildly excited. College was coming up almost too quickly; I was leaving my friends, family, and most of what I knew behind to start a new life in DC. As college towns go, DC has never exactly been the most welcoming, but it certainly turned out to be the most rewarding. So, looking back on those days, what would I tell myself? Relax! Everything is going to be okay. Being stressed is not going to get you anywhere, I promise. I think that any student entering college really needs to be reminded of this. It is important to remember that this is a time meant for being confused, messing up, and figuring things out! College is not nearly as scary as it seems. I feel that I still need this little pep talk as I continue through school, and I can guarantee that I will need this advice for the rest of my life. But sitting down, making myself a list, and taking a deep breath has gotten me through pretty much every struggle I have come up against thus far.

If I could talk to myself when I was a high school senior, I would tell myself not to worry about the unkown and enjoy the journey of life. Although I knew I was going to American Univeristy in December (I applied early decision), I was worried about the future. Would I have the same friends from high school? Did I make the wromg choice? I am too far from home? Will I like the professors and will they like me? I obessed over these questions and I now realize that I should have known that there will be ups and downs, but that in the end I made the right decision. I would tell myself to enjoy the adventure of college life.

You don't need to sleep with the first guy who brings you a beer at a toga party. But if you do, don't beat yourself up about it. You don't need to go on a desperate search for a boyfriend just because you're no longer a virgin and yet you've never had a boyfriend. But if you do, just do it in a laid back fashion. When you meet your first true love sophomore year, you don't need to dump him for the blonde ROTC guy. But if you do, don't expect to ever marry your first true love (you might be better off without him anyway.) And about academics, well, just listen carefully in class and read as much as you can of the text. Whatever you do, don't worry too much about the tests and papers. Life will be life, and grades will happen. Just love yourself unconditionally, study what you're passionate about, and live life to the fullest.

I was raised in a very non-traditional family and was not permitted to attend high school. I took it upon myself to acquire a GED with only my sixth grade education, work ethic, and self-motivation. However, I did not understand the need to attend college until I was 24 and pregnant with my second child, waiting tables. If I could go back in time, I would encourage myself to not stop at my GED. Having completed my associate’s degree in biology and starting on a biochemistry degree, I wish I would have just started taking classes right away, even though I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do. The point is to always keep moving forward, even if it's just in baby steps. The purpose of a college education is not just for a degree but for life transformation. Each class you take molds you as a person and contributes to personal growth and self-discovery. Every step you take leads you closer to what you desire and a college education gives you the tools you need to realize your dreams and become, not just personally successful, but a productive member of society.

I would advise myself as a high school senior to be confident about following my dreams, and to ignore what others say about how irrational it is. Dreams are for achieving.

Work hard to get into your dream school and don't take no for an answer. Be realistic about the financial burdens of your chosen school. Some times chosing to go to a different less expensive school can be a wise choice.

I would tell myself to really get on the ball and to look and apply for as many scholarships that i can. I did not take that seriously in high school and am finding it difficult to be eligable for as many scholarships now. I would also tell myself to do more volunteer work, and apply for more schools that I was interested in. I started at my current school without even really knowing where it was until July of that year. I always knew I was going to college right out of high school even though I wasn't sure what I wanted to go for but when it came time to do everything I didn't and it is hurting me a bit now. I love my school, the people, and opportunities that I have been able to experience but one of the best transitions would have been to not worry about the money. Even being a Phi Theta Kappa member, it is still difficult to find school funding that isn't out of my pocket.

I used to think that college would be a waste of my time and money, especially right out of high school. I thought I was in love and wanted to get married. I wish a thousand times over that I had gone to college after graduating from high school. Becuase I did not go to college, I made some very bad decisions, I have a hard time paying bills and my children want things that I can't afford to give them. Go to college Angie and do it right the first time. Make a life for yourself and the family you will have. You grew up poor, don't have your children grow up the same way. They will deserve better. You won't have to worry about having a stable job. You will have the education you need to aquire a stable job, and make amazing money, and keep that job. You are smarter than you give yourself credit for. Don't waste your life. Go to college. You won't regret it. Don't go to college, and you will pay for it the rest of your life.

Be open to change. I came from a very small, rural high school to a large, urban, college in Washington, D.C. These two areas are about as different as can be, and it has been one of the best experiences of my life. In order to know more about the world, to grow as an individual, and to gain new perspective, one must experience living in a new environment then they are comfortable with. And this is what college is great for. Try new things. Learn to be independent and don't be afraid to live on your own. I was terrified to live so far away from home in such a different place, but knowing what I know now, I realize that it is not as scary as it seems. There are many students going through the same things and feelings as you and many other people who are willing to help. The number one thing I would tell myself is to be confident that I can adapt to a new environment and thrive on my own. I think so many college students never grasp this and end up missing out on a wonderful growing experience.

Knowing what I know now about college life, I would give myself some major advice about life and making the transition from a high school senior to a college student. I would talk to myself about the possible majors I could choose from. I would take some more time and learn about different possibilities. I would tell myself that I have made a good choice in attending the community college first to get my AA in early childhood education before transferring to the 4-year university to become a psychology major. I would assure myself that although life may throw me some mean curve balls; I have the power, intelligence and courage to continue to persevere through any challenge. My parents have raised me well. I am a fighter, and I will never give up. The most important thing I would tell myself would be to always strive to do my best. Anything is possible with continuous effort. I would be sure to thank all my family, friends and teachers for the extra efforts they provided to me. Overall, I would be very supportive to myself and take my advice. Who knows, maybe I could win a scholarship! Thank You.

I would remind my senior high school self to savor and take advantage of all of the unique opportunities that you only get as an undergraduate. This is the only time in your life that you have the freedom and resources to really discover yourself and the world around you. It's totally acceptable and encouraged to go new places, try new things, change jobs, and generally live life to the fullest in a way that will be impossible or reckless once you are a college graduate in the "real world." I would also advise my high school self to go to a school away from home and live on campus for at least a year or two. I didn't do this until my junior year of college and by then I had missed out on a lot of the relationships and experiences that other students had from living on campus since they were freshman. Living on campus also helps you academically since you're fully immersed in the university life. College is just as much about personal growth as it is academics, so the more you throw yourself into it the more you will get out of it.

* You really, really, really don't need the unlimited meal plan. You probably don't need the 200 meal plan, either. The dining hall food is actually pretty good, and I'm generally satisfied with it, but you would get tired of eating there every single meal seven days a week. You probably won't be eating three square meals a day, either-- I always did until I came here. Almost everyone has leftover meal swipes at the end of the year. *Do rent a mini-fridge, and bring a small vacuum cleaner. The instructions say not to get extra-long sheets, but my regular-sized ones always had trouble fitting on the mattresses (which are extremely comfortable, by the way). *The metro is awesome, but the costs do add up. Bear that in mind when saving your cash. That said, there are many wonderful free things to do in the city. Sign up for sites like Scoutmob and Groupon that will help you find deals! The metro also frequently has delays, so always leave a little bit earlier than you need to. *Don't worry about picking a major right away. You don't have to declare until sophomore year. Take classes in areas that interest you to help you narrow it down-- you might like the idea of majoring in International Relations, but you might hate the classes themselves. *No matter what, you will never get as much sleep as you think you will. *Don't just cling to the same people that you met during welcome week. The people I know who formed super-super-de-duper close friendships during the first days generally feel awkward around those people now. Take it slow and be open-minded in making new friends-- it's not summer camp, and it's not middle school. *The Davenport Lounge in the SIS building is awesome, much better than Starbucks. I don't even drink coffee, and it's still one of my favorite spots. *Wearing WONK t-shirts is not a good idea at all. Students here HATE Wonk. *Joining a club that you love will change every aspect of your college career. Don't be scared to try new things-- you'll have so much more fun (and if you decide to drop an activity, don't worry. It's the beginning of the year, and people won't judge you). *Most places on campus are closed after 8 on weekend nights. It's very hard to buy food on-campus in the evenings. Luckily, lots of restaurants off-campus deliver. *Definitely go to office hours with your professors. *Smithsonian museums (and the zoo) are FREE! Lots of people don't know that, and they're one of the best parts of the city. You can also get tours of places like the Capitol building for free. *Best inexpensive and delicious place to eat? Amsterdam Falafel in Adams Morgan. A college student's best friend for sure. Even if you've never had falafel, pay them a visit.

It's hard for me to answer this because I was homeschooled half of my junior and senior year. The community college I was attending seemed just like high school to me, so there was really no transistion. I really want to make a change in my life and be dedicated and transfer to a four year college. All though, if I could go back to high school and tell myself what I do know now, I would tell myself that high school really isn't that important. Make the best of it and don't get caught up in the drama.