Clarkson University Top Questions

The transition between high school and college is a pivotal time period in a young adult’s life. Though assimilation only takes a few months, the extent to which young adults change is astonishing. The amount of growth and independence one achieves through this stage is incredible, and looking back on my transition stage I realize a few items that I wish I could have told myself just a few months prior. If I could, I would give myself a verbal slap in the face. I would tell myself to stop being so self-conscious, so full of doubt. College taught me to dream big, because when one thinks big one achieves big. I have always wanted to be a CEO but constantly questioned if I was capable. After my transition I quickly learned that I absolutely was, and so I did. I created my very own business and achieved my dream all because of self-confidence. If I could go back, I would tell my younger self to get rid of the layer of negativity I carried, because a positive outlook and self-confidence opens doors to amazing possibilities.

The number one piece of advice I would tell my high school self is that life goes on. Every second of emotion spent on high school drama or embarrassment will not last forever. Once entered in college, you are allowed to be whoever you want without judgement. "Clicks" do not follow you to college and you are free to find yourself and become whatever you dream of. Another big piece of advice I would suggest to myself would be to aquire strong studying habits early as they are necessary in cellege. Do not be afraid or embarrassed to ask questions. Another major piece of advice I would suggest to myself would be to cherish every moment you have with your family. No matter how close or how far you go to college, time with your family is precious. You will be busy in college and you do not obtain the privelege of coming home to your parents and sibling like you used. Cherish every moment and opportunity given to you.

One piece of advice I would like to go back and tell myself as a high school senior is that college work and high school work are completely different. In high school I didn't have to work very hard, so I figured college would be the same way. It was not at all which is why I struggled so much my freshman year. I wish from the beginning I started studying hard and did not procrastinate. This is what I was glad to pass onto my cousin as she started her freshman year of college this past fall.

I would be more focused in college more in my first year and do all of my general cources classes in my first two semesters

If I could go back in time and advise myself, I would tell myself to not get caught up in drama or other's business. When you're constantly worrying about others and what is going on in their lives, you lose track of your own. While I was too busy getting caught up in petty arguments, I missed a few homework assignments. It wasn't the end of the world, not by far, but it set me back and then I needed to put more energy into studying for exams. Long story short, do your homework. Always ask for help when you need it, you'll be suprised by how many people are willing to help. Attend tutoring if it's offered for a certain class, even though you may think you are really great at a subject, it never hurts to practice more than you need to. College is a great place to make new friends and get involved in clubs, but don't forget to concentrate on yourself and your education...it's what you're paying for!

If I could go back in time and talk to my senior self, my advice would be to embrace an “open door policy” while making the transition from high school to college. In both a literal and metaphorical sense, having an “open door” will help you develop a comfortable and fun environment for yourself. In the literal sense, having your dorm room door open while you are there allows the people on your floor to come in and portrays a friendly and welcoming environment. Make a point to introduce yourself to everyone on your floor and invite them to eat meals with you. If you allow yourself to, you may meet some truly amazing people. In a more metaphorical sense, having an “open door” when it comes to all the new things you encounter will help you have an easier time. You will come across different ideas about how the world, religion, politics and ways of life and experiencing these can be eye-opening if you allow yourself to appreciate them. The transition is also new to your family, so have an “open door” and call them regularly to let them know what is going on in your life.

If I could give myself advice about college when I was a high school senior, I would tell myself to not worry too much and that I would be fine. On the first day after my family, I began to worry a significant amount because I felt all alone and I worried if I would make friends. Luckily that feeling didn’t last long because the people on my floor and I got along perfectly. Another thing I would tell myself would not to be too confident with the classes I was going to take. I did above average my first semester without too much effort, but if I studied a little bit more, then I probably could have gotten a 4.0 or close to that. I would also tell myself to apply for more scholarships, because I could have reduced my future debt. In general, I believe I was prepared fairly well for college due to taking higher level classes and being pretty independent already.

Going back to high school and being able to advice myself would me a remarkable experience. The very first bit of advice that I would give would be to stop complaining about the teacher in Calculus. Although you don’t understand why your teacher does some of the things she does, you will get a better picture next year. The nit picking will help you pay attention to details better. The material will come fast, so do not expect to have weekends off. You need to stop relying on your parents to help guide you. You are going to have to make decisions on your own and trust your own judgment. You also need to take charge of your calendar now and sharpen your time management skills. If you don’t you are going to be sent into shock at the amount of planning everything will take, including social activities. Don’t worry; there are plenty of social activities and social events at college. Chose your friends wisely and do not get caught up in any college drama. Remember, this is a once in a lifetime experience. Good luck Joe.

Do not be ashamed to ask for help. The tutoring center is free and the faculty are actually very nice. Put your phone away and pay attention- all the time. Go to your professors and ask for help, it's better to ask then to continue not knowing. Please stop being afraid of professors and get to know them, they are actually very nice. Also, do yoga and take deep breaths more often, it will help with your test anxiety. You can do this!

Work hard in high school. Challenge yourself. Have fun. Do new things. Find out what you enjoy. Foster your abilities in the sciences but broaden your abilities to include arts or English. Become well-rounded. Focus more on the academic and athletic sides of high school and less on the social drama side. Turns out, you won't always be friends with the same people you were in high school.