Case Western Reserve University Top Questions

If I could go back to my high school days, I would tell myself just how important it is to take college seriously in the beginning. When I first started college, I didn't take it as seriously as I should have. I was only 18 years old, but I thought I was an adult. I was enjoying the newfound freedom and the fact that my professors didn't harass me if I didn't make it to class or if I didn't turn my homework in. Although I thought I had things under control, I didn't, and I messed up -- big time. It took a lot of hard work to get myself back on track, and I am now more actively and seriously pursuing my degree. I just wish I would have taken things more seriously in the beginning so that things wouldn't have to be so difficult later on down the road. Therefore, I would tell my high school self -- and any other high schoolers that I might meet -- that taking college seriously from the very beginning is certainly worth its while.

I would tell myself that most of the expectations I have of college are accurate. In high school I often thought that people had a certain perception of me based on who I was in middle school and early high school. But during my senior year I knew that I had become a different, less awkward, and more social person. I didn't really blame any of my high school classmates or even myself. What I thought I needed a fresh start. It turns out that I was right. During my senior year I would tell myself what I was going to do in college, how I would act, what I would say to people, but there was always that doubt that maybe I was who people thought I was. So now I would go back and tell myself that college really is a fresh start; no one knows who you are or what you have done. I would encourage myself to do everything that I had planned to do but better and with more enthusiasm. Because I really do not have a problem with the way my life has turned out so far so why would I change it?

Transitioning from high school to college is relatively easy. The most important thing is to make sure you take the initiative and be responsible for yourself. There are many opportunities in college, and you have to take the initiative to make the opportunities yours. Try out a club to get involved, make friends, and maybe even discover a lifelong hobby. Talk to the kid sitting next to you in Math 121, and you might find a study partner, even a new best friend. Relax occasionally, and have some fun! Make sure you go to all your classes, stay on top of studying and homework - aren't you paying up to a couple hundred thousand dollars just for that education? Don't leave your laundry undone - you'll run out of socks and underwear, and it'll eventually start to smell bad. And definitely DO NOT eat desserts after each meal, no matter how fresh, how delicious, how available they are. Make sure you always have your room key on you; there is nothing worse than sitting in a towel and waiting for two hours for your roommate to get back from class. It's not hard, you can do it!

I would advise myself to be more proactive in my first couple years at the university not only with class participation, but with my professors outside of the classroom because that has been a very integral factor to my academic success the last couple years. I would also have used more of the campus services such as the career center more in my first couple years in order to grow relationships with outside companies to aide in the career search post-graduation. Overall, though, I would say to do exactly what I did with obtaining a strong core group of friends, being a strong, confident student, and continuing to work hard in any aspect that I am involved in.

Dear High School Senior Rosalyn, I know you are stressed about your future but leave it to God: he will show you the way. Don't worry about your major. No matter what you do, you will do it with the utmost passion and suceed. Go to a school with in driving distance from home because the taxi fare to the airport is worse than the plane ticket. Plus you will miss what you can't bring the first week. Please sleep and eat before tests, midterms, and finals. If your sleepy or hungry, you are just hurting yourself. Everytime you pull an all nighter, it becomes harder to do it a second time. Get a lighter computer or strengthen your shoulder muscles. Go to all the SI sessions for classes. Find people who need tutoring in subjects that are time consuming to study for: you will actually learn more teaching than memorizing. Don't join so many activities if you want to take the maximum amount of credits. Don't max out on credits if you want to do a lot of activities. Tell your family you love them as much as you can. Don't procrastinate. -College Rosalyn

Hello, Shaun! Your college experience will enlighten you! Take enough time to see all the faces around campus because these faces will brighten your day when times are rough. Believe in yourself, and do not doubt your own motives. The words of others will help you with your problems just as your words will aid them. Try your hardest and keep up the hard work through the end of each semester. Have fun as opportunities come, but do not forget to complete assignments on time. If peers need advice, feel free to lend a helping hand in their affairs. Continue to maintain the ethical ideals of Case, and explore your many options. As time passes, remember to look back and improve on previous ideas. Before you improve on your ideas, though, assure yourself that they need revision. The only problems you will have you will make; therefore, avoid solving issues with grand solutions if a simple solution will do. After completing the work necessary for each class, take the time to maintain your extracurricular activities, such as playing music with others, maintaining fraternity membership, and leading innovative roles in engineering research. Good luck with your college endeavors Shaun!

Always do what you love! Don't be that kid sitting inside his/her dorm all day playing video games. Never ever settle at exploring just one field. I started college off slow, only doing a thing or two from the start. Now, I've tried dozens of things, found which ones I like the most, and I continue to explore those things. Don't feel afraid to get our of your comfrot zone. College is for academics, but the opportunities outside of academics in service, research, and so on are numerous. I love meeting people with a variety of talents.

Dear John, It's you - from the future. I know it is hard to believe anything I say because you know that it is physically impossible to travel back in time, but you have to trust me (or yourself?). College is a great place to learn and to develop and to pursue a wide variety of opportunities. However, you must do the things that you really enjoy and that challenge you to be your best. Many people and impressions will pull you in every direction imaginable, but you must figure out which ones are right for you and undertake them with ardor. It can be easy to overextend yourself and become involved in activities that you do not enjoy or that do not push you. So, make an effort to recognize when this is happening and pull yourself back to your true passions and commitments. I wish I could let you in on some other secrets, but that would take some of the fun out of college. Good luck!

Soon you will become frustrated and finally realize that the traditional educational system doesn't work for you. Don't quit! Fight to find an alternative process that allows you to stay challenged and engaged. Don't allow your parents to dictate where you will go (what is an "acceptable" school), what you will study (what is an "appropriate" field of study), or where you will live (a sorority may not be the best place for you). You may think that disappointing mom and dad might be the worst thing, but trust me, you'll be better off (and have a lifelong skill) when you figure out how to negotiate with them. They recognize your intelligence -- that's why they get so frustrated. You are a smart, capable, strong woman. Don't throw an opportunity to earn a loan-free, college degree away. You will have great success, but wasting this chance will be your secret shame. On the up side, faster than you can believe you will be nearing 50 and determined to go back to school and finally get your degree. You go, girl! It's never too late to do it on your own!

Being a high school senior is an experience you will never forget; it's a time to make some of the best memories in your life as well as discover more about whom you are and what your plans are for the future. However, being a senior in high school also means taking on more responsibility and pushing yourself to achieve your goals in life. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would constantly remind myself that while you want to enjoy this last year with your friends and live life to the fullest, this time in your life is a critical time to focus on your studies. Having good grades will not only make you more eligible for scholarships when going to college, but will help you get into programs in the future. Another important thing I would tell myself is that while this last year may be tough, and you're swamped with homework and pressures in life, know that you will pull through and it will all be worth it in the end, I promise. You will be so proud of yourself with your accomplishments!