Central Michigan University Top Questions

I have ade a lot o friends, I have had a lot of new experiences. I have also learned a lot of things outside of the classroom, and I feel like I will be well prepared for life outside of CMU.

I would inform myself of how different it truly is from high school. There is a lot more work invovled because you have to do it on your own. There isn't a teacher hovering over your shoulder to make sure that you get your homework done. You have to make sure that you do it on your own because the proffesors don't care if you got it done or not. I would also tell myself that you need to make sure you are committed to studying because just reading the chapters doesn't mean that you actually retain any of the information. Taking notes on the chapter is something I learned during my second semester this year and it has helped me a great deal to pay attention more when I am reading.

The most important piece of advice is to remember that education is your priority, and nothing?including social life?ought to take precedent over that. Late in one?s first semester, it is easy to tire out and feel the temptation of taking free time with friends. In many cases, your friends will have more free time than you, and this circumstance is frequently an invitation to abandon your duties and merely ?hang out? for an evening. Despite the immediate gratification of taking time off, nothing is ultimately more rewarding than academic success. The point of college is to acquire an education and a degree?moreover, the money you, your parents, and your scholarship donors spend on your education obligate you to apply yourself to your fullest extent. Never forget that you owe it to these individuals to take college seriously. Finally, it is crucial to maintain a positive attitude at all times. Embrace the work you do, love the career you are pursuing, and find joy in the fact that you are working toward a greater goal. When you finally realize that even the most mundane assignments will contribute to success later in life, you will be immensely satisfied.

If I could give myself advice, I would stress the importance of good study habits. High school teachers walk students through good study habits by giving homework every day, which gets students accustomed to spending time with the previous material each day. Spending time with schoolwork is pivotal in higher education because professors do not give out homework on a regular basis. Instead, for most classes, the professor will give a lecture and it?s the student?s responsibility to read and study the material on his or her own time. So in high school, homework is simply preparing students to get into the habit of reading and studying the material on a daily basis. Like many students, high school was not a huge challenge to me and I didn?t take it as seriously as I should have. So when I came to college in 2008, I was still in the ?high school mentality,? by believing I could do well on tests and not read the texts. I failed my first test in every class. That was an eye opener for me, letting me know that I must read, study and research the material I?m learning.

too be honest I would not give myself any advice because that idea would ruin my college experience. I started off my freshman year going in blind. I carried a lot of anxiety with me that first semester but it slowly unwinded to being one of the experiences I ever had in my life. that is why I would never want to spoil my future even if I had the chance.

What advice would I give myself? As a senior in high school, I was very active. I knew my schedule and it was set in stone. We were told what assignments to do and how to do them exactly; every little detail to help us get an A on our report cards. It has changed completely now. From learning this, I would have told myself to try and take the initiative to talk to teachers more and ask questions about the assignment. Also, when preparing papers, make sure to actually take the time to draft, draft, and draft because I had to learn this the hard way in college.I would also give myself advice, and to all upcoming college students, to learn to manage your time! This is essential. As a double major student, there are not enough hours in the day to complete things. I?m not complaining because I love every bit of it, but when scheduling homework time to ?partying? time, make sure to manage your time appropriately so you will benefit. I used to just go with the flow back in high school and hoped that it all went well.

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that it would not behoove me to wait a full year like I have. Reason being I have lost the motivation and strive I once had. I thought hey I've been in school for 12 years I just want a break. Now looking at some of my peers and seeing how far they have come and progressed it makes me more ambitious than ever. Yes, I am trying to get back on track but i can't help but think how ignorant I was to the knowledge and informative lectures i was being offered. I would tell myself, just take a shot at it you never know what you could achieve or accomplish. The transition will be alot more complicated now that I have waited so long. Had I just went when I graduated I wouldn't be having these hesitant moments. I believe It is the fear of success for a person like me. I have asperations that will nevever grow old along with the faith I bestow in myself.

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would say many things. First, I would tell myself to take more time to explore different careers because knowing what you want to do helps you set out a career plan and allows you to be ahead of the game. Second, I would tell myself to live in the moment because memories from my senior year are going to last with me forever so make those memories great. Thirdly, I would tell myself to spend more time with my family because once you move away all those little things that you did together you will miss a lot. Lastly, I would tell myself to try my hardest in college and to never give up because even though these next four years (or more) will be extremely challenging, when I am done I can live the way I have always dreamed of.

"Don't worry. It will all work out." How many times did I hear those words from my parents, relatives and friends in the last few months of my senior year? I knew they were meant in comfort, but at the time, I didn't feel comforted. The glamour of senior year had worn off, and I was clinging to my childhood with both hands. How I wish I had listened to those words! I'm only one semester into my college experience and, though it's been a tough transition, I wouldn't trade it for the world. Remembering how anxious and sad I was to be leaving home, there are so many things I wish I could go back and tell myself. I'd say that the classes aren't as scary as I thought, that all the high school drama that seems important will soon mean nothing, that my friends at home won't forget about me. But more than anything, I'd say the best thing about college is the freedom to choose who I want to be, and that I have no one to please but myself. "Don't worry. It will all work out."

"Morgan, you better study for that test you have tomorrow." These words were repeated frequently from my mom as I made my way through high school. And of course I would always respond with, "Don't worry mom I'll be fine I promise." However, things are completly different now. I can honestly say that one thing that would've been helpful knowing in high school to better prepare for the college experience, would be to learn to push myself to study harder. In high school I was the type of person who didn't need to study that often or even at all to be successful on a test. Now that I am in college however, things have become more difficult. I am constantly finding myself having to stay focused and study for hours at a time rather than glancing over my notes right before the test. At the beginning of my first semester this was a difficult transition for me so I think if I would've better prepared myself in high school then this wouldn't have been such a difficult transition. All in all I have learned to overcome this obstacle throughout my experience thus far.

I'm sure it would be a pleasure for everyone if we could go back in time and re-live a cjhapter of our lives. I know if I could go back to myself as a high school senior, I would definitely know what to expect from my first year at college. I think I would tell myself to be open to as many opportunities as possible. It's amazing how many opportunities there are in college. There are so many clubs and events to participate in. I wish I would have taken more advantage of them. I also would have told myself to go into my first year with an open mind. Its always good for students to break out of their shell and maybe try something new. With an open mind and a good attitude, anything is possible. Students have the ability to be anyone they want to be in college. Its a fresh start, and a place to take chances. College is a time to take advantage of new opportunities and branch out of your comfort zone! I wish I would have known that coming in to this great experience.

If I could tell go back in time, I would tell myself to work harder at my English homework and not put it off til the last minute like I did so many times first semester here at Central. I would also tell myself to get more invovled, maybe join the band or be apart of the drama department in someway. I would also tell myself to be careful with whatever I say and be more friendly and watch the way I act around people so that I don't come off as being rude or angry.

"Don't be afraid," I said. He looked up at me, his elevated right eyebrow embodying his skepticism. A bewildered smirk crawled shyly across his lips. I was familiar with the expression. It said I had no intention of slowing down or giving up - I made it a lot my senior year. In that moment, it didn't feel like I had time-travelled at all, and was merely looking at my reflection in some kind of perfect living mirror. "Afraid?" he asked. "Afraid of WHAT? If you and I are the same, then you know I wasn't scared of the 'College Experience!' What will I possibly be afraid of?" I had forgotten how sarcastic I was. His words were saturated with it - each one oozed. "When the ten-page papers begin to pile up," I began, "Don't be afraid. When campus gets dark and every building begins to look the same - don't be afraid. When your roommates come crashing inside only a few hours before a big exam - don't be afraid. When you feel homesick and realize your own bed is three hours away - don't be afraid." He cleared his throat. I walked away.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would first tell myself, do not ever give up! I would also say, that good grades are very important, so keep up the good work! I would also make sure to tell myself that college is not always going to be easy and it is not always going to be the best thing ever. However, if you make it the thing ever, chances are, you will have that attitude and beleive it is! Always stay positive. A lot of things happen in life that bring you down and you can't let that stop you from your dream! DO NOT...EVER LET ANYONE TELL YOU THAT YOU CANNOT GET YOUR DREAM! YOU MUST STAY POSITIVE!!! If you do not stay positive, nothing will go your way. Think of the negative things as bumps in the road, you just have to slowly coast over them with attention and patience. College is what you make of it, so make it amazing!

If I could go back and give myself advice as a high school senior, it would be to save your money for different college expenses. As a high school senior, I had two jobs and no financial responsibilities. All the money I made went to frivolous things, such as clothes, shoes, hair appointments, etc. My parents would tell me to save money for school, but of course I did not listen to them. Now that I am in college, I realize why my parents were telling me to save my money. Besides the room and board and tuition, college can be very costly. I have been paying over $300 a semester in books alone. There are also cost for being involved in different organizations. And if you want to do anything besides staying in your room on the weekend, it will cost money. I was unaware of all these cost going into college. If I had saved even half of what I made in high school, I would be living a little easier. Now I am truly living like a ?broke college student?.

Given the chance to go back in time to offer myself advice as a high school senior, the most important thing I would explain is the importance of becoming involved within the residence hall and campus community as soon as possible. Making those life long connections not only creates new relationships but it also allows you to feel more connected to the school and community. Being involved really showed me how to better mannage my time while still being able to keep up with my academic and social responsibilities. The one other thing I would stress to myself is the importance of taking advantage of opportunities both on and off campus. Take the chance to try new things, you're only in college once and Central offers a variety of events to try out. Go out and have a good time, that doesn't mean you have to drink either. Some of the best memories are the ones you make when completely alcohol free. Staying in all the time allows others to think they can take advantage of you, which is simply unfair. Most importantly, ENJOY your time in college! You'll never get these years back.

I would have told myself to try and search for more colleges. Spend more time trying to get all the information that I would need to decide which college to attend. Make sure you know all the facts. Go for more than one tour of the campus and study the maps of each one. And most importantly to spend a little more time looking for scholarships that will help affording the college I wish to attend. The more you recieve the better chance you have of being able to stay enrolled and complete your college education.

If I went back to senior year to counsel myself about college, I would stress three pieces of advice. The first would be to sweat the little stuff now and develop good study habits because you are going to need them on your own time in college, the land of no no-nonsense, required doctors notes and required reading. The second would be to keep an open mind to campus size, location, and housing. Attending a small high school should not set a limit on campus or living space size. Visiting colleges once or more than that is the only way to formulate your own opinion about the college including campus size amongst other things like academic programs The last piece of advise I would give myself is to find means of making money while attending school. Whether this involves putting saved money from the summer in a savings account or finding an on campus job in the summer time depends completely on the individual but it is of absolute importance to keep saving. Once at college adaptation happens undoubtedly, however taking it upon yourself to find the right college will ease and decrease undesirable changes needed to be made.

I would tell myself that while choosing to live in a dorm with strangers instead of your best friend will seem tough at times, it serves an important purpose. It is essential to make new friends in college, but keep the old. Try your best to form friendships with people in your residence hall, in classes, in any groups you may join. Focus on classes and doing your best, but it really won't be as hard as you think so don't stress out too much. Also, in high school you would never dream of going out and doing something at midnight on a Wednesday, but take the chance, it might lead to great things.

Dear Young Amanda, We haven't talked in awhile, and I realized that you need some advice as you get ready for college. First, be open! One of the best parts of college is getting to know new people and seeing the world from their point of view. There are people from all over the world right in your hall! So take the time to get to know them; see what others have to say. Second, do NOT be afraid of change. At first, college may seem overwhelming. You will be away from friends and family, adjusting to a new environment, and going to new classes. However, there is no need to worry! This experience is meant to change you and help you to become an independent adult. Just take a deep breath and have fun with it. Remember the importance of studying. How could I give advice without bringing up academics? With all the new activities, new responsibilities, and new boys, studying may fall to the wayside. It does for many college students, but don't let this happen to you. Remember your main purpose for being here! Keep everything balanced and you will be fine. Sincerely, Old Amanda