Colorado School of Mines Top Questions

If I could go back, I would let myself know that college isn't anything to be worried about. Everything is amazing and I'd like to let myself know that even though it's an amazing experience, and I'll be making lifelong friends, it still takes hard work to be successful at this school. If I could go back, I would insist that I go to this college and I wouldn't tell myself to do anything different.

I would tell myself to do more things in high school becuase you can't get those back. I would also tell myself not to worry about what people think of you because I don't see those people anymore. I would've told myself to work harder on getting scholarships, becuase college is expensive!! I play division two college softball now so I would tell my high school self to practice hard everyday and work to perfect every aspect of my game because it only got harder and if I had already been used to working this hard. Lastly, when I got to college I had a really hard time because I missed my family. I feel like if I would've gone out more during the summer instead of hanging onto every second I had with them the transition would've been a little bit easier. But everybody misses their family to some degree so I would tell myself not to be ashamed when I do miss them. i

Dear Caitlin, You may be wondering who this is and why I?m writing this letter. Well, I?m you. But I am in college right now. What? You don?t believe me? I guess that means I?ll have to prove it to you. I know that you have that small jewelry box hidden in a drawer waiting for you to send it, but you haven?t had the courage. So now that you know it?s me, I have two important tips to give you based on my experiences. Making the transition between living at home and going to high school to living in the dorms and going to college is a rough one. You really struggle with this but don?t worry; you make it through just fine. As long as you stay strong, be active, and meet new people, everything will go smoothly. Most importantly, open up with Mom and Dad. You don?t have to go through everything alone; they really have great advice on more than just school and money. Open up little by little and you?ll find that they are very helpful. Good luck! You'll do great! Sincerely, The Future You

I would tell myself not to stress out so much about college and the treansition. I'd talk about all the great new friends he'd make when he got here, and how he would do well in his first semseter here. I would advise more study time. but that would be the only big advice I would have to give.

Deffinately take advanced placement classes. The credits may not count but the education is worth it.

Apply to Mines now. Don't worry about the money. Community college will save you money, but life at Mines is better.

Dear High School Senior Mo, Don't worry so much about going to college! It's going to be amazing! You are making the right choice and you should stand behind it. Take your time in this last year of high school, it will be your best one and you will be able to look back on it during rough times in the next four to five years. Your first semester at Mines will be tough, and after dealing with a death in the family, you will be able to come back and make a full recovery, I promise you that. Now, a full recovery doesn't mean mostly A's like you are used to in high school, so don't be afraid of getting a C for after all, "C's get degrees!" as you have been told. Again, worrying gets you nowhere and that will stay true for the rest of your life. Be flexible and open yourself up to new opportunities so you can follow your dream of saving the world one tree at a time. Mines can help it happen. Work hard. Play hard. And say hi to the boys for me. Sincerely, Future Mo

My advice would be to take no class for granted. When I became certain I was attending a strictly engineering school, its seemed all the english and history classes would become unimportant. However, while the focus was definitely on math and science, all the history and english continually tied in. In one class, I relied heavily on my knowledge from human geography, which I had taken mainly for a GPA booster, and my writing skill developed in my english classes. While I did not blow these classes off, I never imagined using them the first semester of school. It was these very skills that I used in order to create a multidimensional project that ended up winning several awards. Overall, the value of being well rounded academically and pushing myself even in those subjects outside of my interest created larger opportunity for success. While classes can be taken strictly for the grade, I would tell my high school senior self that it is learning and integrating the information that will pay off in the long run. If I learn to handle the information and use the information, the grade and the learning will take care of itself.

No matter what you may be feeling push through it. All this work will be entirely worth the experience once you graduate. Be strong when you are unsure and use every resource you can. The time you spend will help you grow and develop into a career oriented person that can do anything in the world.

Traveling back to Arapahoe High School to visit myself as a high school senior is an enlightening experience. I would tell myself college is everything I thought it would be and more. The Colorado School of Mines is the best choice over other schools I applied to because I fit into the atmosphere of this college. I would tell myself not to be afraid to take chances, there are so many things worth taking a chance on in life. I would advise myself not to get so mad at my parents because they only want the best for me and the freedom of college will make everything worth while. I couldn't explain in words how I have matured, I would tell myself that I have the gift of happiness and to not second guess myself so much. I can achieve anything I put my mind to and that was apparent in my first semester of college. I would tell myself to study a little bit more for Chemistry and hang out with the group of Rugby guys more because they are a good group to be around. So spread your wings and fly yourself to your goals and ambitions!