Colorado State University-Fort Collins Top Questions

If I could go back in time I would encourrage myself to look into every degree, not just engineering because that is what my father wanted. He was so proud that I got into engineering that I didnt want to say no. I wish I would have considered all my options and not just went along with what sounded good at the time. I would tell my introvert high school self to branch out and get as many lie experiences as possible, after all, how can you be expected to make a life determining decision such as what degree to pick with no experiece? I would tell myself to work harder in college, its not for partyinh, its for learning. The last thing I would tell myself is to not tak things for granted. In high school I fought a lot with my parents, no they live out of state and I barely get to see them. I wish I would have spent more time cherishing them than rebelling and chosing my temporary friends over my permament family. If I could go back, I know I would have an easier life now than I do.

DO: -find hole in the wall restaurants near campus -get a planner/organizer/calendar and fill it out with dates on the syllabi as soon as you get them - invest in a quality alarm clock -keep an open door if you live in the dorms -take advantage of all the "free" stuff on campus -let people help you (homesickness, homework, friend drama, etc) -explore the library, the best study spots are hidden - keep in touch with friends the old fashioned way (snail mail) -keep an extra set of batteries in your backpack (for calculator, iclicker etc) -start finding/talking to people about being roommates for the next school year in November -go to office hours, no matter how uneasy it makes you feel DON'T: -sweat the little things -buy all your textbooks from the bookstore (Amazon, Chegg, etc are typically much cheaper) -stay inside your comfort zone -be so focused on studying that you don't make friends -be afraid to ask random students for directions/where a building or room is

Dear Donovan, You probably won't believe me but this is your future self telling you what to do. To prove it to you, you have a signed, or what seemed to be signed picture of Olympian Shawn Johnson under magazines on your bookcase. Now that I have tried to prove it to you here is some advice. When you register for senior classes try and take some more difficult courses that will prepare you for college. You'll do decent your first semester, but you could prepare better. When baseball comes around do whatver you can so your team doesn't get upset at home by a thirty-two seed to end your baseball career. Whenever you see Garrett Middleton try and talk with him because as tough as it sounds he'll be involved in a farming accident and you'll never get the chance again. Also, when it's basketball season make sure to let Cait Haynes, your trainer, know that you care for her because in college you'll recieve news that she had committed suicide because of a bully. Please keep all of this in mind. Your Future Self, Donovan Kattner

I would not tell myself to do anything differently. By going to school out of state, I realized how important my home, my family, and my life in Oregon is to me. That is why I have decided to transfer back home. Without going away for school, I may have realized the priority these things have in my life, but I do not think to the same extent. It isn't without trying new things that progress can be made within yourself, and I strongly belive that everything you experience makes you who you are and a better person. Therefore, I think that it is important for students to have an idea of what they want, but not be afraid if it doesn't work out or if your priorities change. Live every experience to the fullest and you will grow as a person while learning more about yourself. Giving advice to my high school self is essencially the same as giving me advice now because I will be starting over next year. But, I still would not do anything differently and I hope that I can use my experiences to grow even more in the following year.

Figure out a way to cope with stress. Figure out how to effectively study for every subject. Get used to not having time for a nap. Or any sleep, really. Embrace and savor homemade meals. Take every chance you get to let someone know how much you care about them.

College seems like another world;it feels like a continuos hotel visit, but not for a vacation. Homework will feel overwhelming and you'll probably get frustrated with your choice of classes, but remember your passion for science and biology. Making new friends has never been more complicated and you're going to meet a lot of new people every day. The friends you make in your dorm are going to be friends you'll have for the next 4 years, if not longer, so treat them kindly. You'll miss your dogs, but never as much as you miss home cooking. Mom is going to call every day, she just misses you. Give her a break and try not to give her such a hard time. Life is going to be different now, but you're ready for it and all you have to do is take a deep breath and prepare for the amazing life you have ahead of you.

I would advise myself to visit more schools and push to talk to students in my application major. I am the oldest child in my family and a first-generation student, so I didn't realize that that was something I should have done. Doing this allows you to get a better feel for the campus and what you will encounter as a student there and also allows you to get a sense for the types of classes you would take and the kinds of professors you will encounter. For example, my school has a notoriously challenging chemistry department, and since I had to take two years of chemistry for my major this was important for me to know. Having this information may have changed my final decision. As a first-generation student, I was also so overwhelmed by the number of schools I could apply to that hearing about the way curriculum progressed and the way professors taught would probably have helped me hone in on the absolute best school for me. To that point, I also would probably tell myself to go and sit in on a few classes to observe the professor and the class's culture.

Assuming that I could go back and talk to myself in high school is something that I wish that I could do often as it would have helped me to realize that school can be an enriching experience. I would tell myself that school does not have to continue to be as it is in highschool. This is in regards to their being less judgment in college from your peers, because a sense of community is developed. I would give the advice that living on your own or with friends brings a liberation that needs care. You will need to surround yourself with a suppotive environment consisting of friends and family or it will be hard to keep up with your studies with the social pressures of drinking or drugs. I would tell myself that the transition will be better if you get involved in a school activity or an organization because it will be easier to make friends. Also I would say that college is an enriching experience were you will learn about what interests you in this world. Lastly putting in the effort from the beginning will bring you down a road with more opportunites to acheive.

I would definitely tell myself to talk to new people more. I came into college with my best friend so that sort of closed me off from meeting new people because I already had someone to hang out with. If I could go back in time and start college again, I would put myself out there more and make an effort to make a lot of new friends. It is scary for me to do that but the people at my school are so friendly and open to making friends that it would not be a big deal like I would make it out to be. I am happy that I joined a sorority though so I would tell myself that going through recruitment was a good idea!

The advice I would give myself is dont just jump into a major explore your options and find what fits you best.

College is a time to be selfish. It sounds horrible when put in such a context but it is true. It will be the first time you get to choose where to go and do whatever you desire with that time. The money will figure itself out in the future, and for now it should not be your number one worry, your number one worry should be to find a place you will thrive, achieve your goals, be happy, and make memories you will remember for the rest of your life. Do not need to fret about this decision day and night and worry you might make the wrong decision, because you can always change your mind. Apply to schools you may not see yourself attending but then visit it, you may surprise yourself and fall in love with a school you never expected. Last but not least, enjoy every second of your senior year throughout this process. It may not seem like it, but one day during your freshman year of college, you will miss the simplicity of this time and wish for it back. Don’t solely focus on your future; remember to live in the present.

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My advice would be not to rush for graduation. I would tell myself to concetrate more on mathematics. I would also tell myself to move away from home and find some place more academically friendly. I would also to advice myself to prepare my physical attributes as well my mind.

There are many things to look forward to and by telling you what they are might ruin them. However, go into college with a plan and be willing to change that plan at any point. Time flies, and when you see the right opportunity, don't waste time in taking it. Also, come out of your shell. There will be hundreds of people that you meet and will never see again, therefore be brave, friendly, and be yourself. Don't worry about having to impress people. I have found that the most important people in your life are family, loved ones, and the friends that will be your friends no matter how flattering you seem. No matter what happens, go to church right off the bat so that seniors will reach out to you. Even though you want to only live the classic college life, church will keep you on the path you want to be on. Finally, free time will become a thing of the past. Start looking at everything Colorado State University has to offer, ahead of time, so that you know that you are not missing out on any of the hidden resources, sports, or secrets.

The transition from high school to college is huge. We think we are prepared however it is a change larger than you will expect, while exciting it is scary too. Living with someone who is not your family is a big change, find ways to make it work out compromise is something you must learn in order to make it work, as well as letting things roll off your back. You will have more free time than you have in high school use it wisely. It is lonely your first semester while trying to make new friends and figure things out but do not despair it does get better. Anything new will take time to adjust but stick with it you will find your niche and start to really enjoy the experience college life and the independence brings. When youn go into your second semester things will start to even out and you will really start to fit in and find who you are, you begin to mature and if you are smart you will take full advantage of the opportunity being able to attend college offers. Stay away from the drugs an alcohol there is a lot of it.

Before entering college really think about what you'd like to do for the rest of your life. For example, if you thing you'd like to work with animals try volunteering at a veterinary clinic or at an animal shelter. If you think you'd like to be a doctor ask your physician some questions about the lifestyle and career path of a doctor. I think it's very important to know what you'd like to do and what that really means. This allows you to go into college and pick a major that will help you on the path to your dreams. You don't want to be that person that switches their major 5 times, because each time it will take you longer and longer to graduate. You should try to pick one major carefully and then stick to it because each extra semester in college is many more loans that you have to take out to pay for your education and these build up quite quickly. My advice is to take a summer and figure out what you like to do and then when you go to college study hard and pick your major carefully.

RELAX! Yes, college is a terrifying thing at first. Questions like "Will I fit in?" and "Am I going to succeed?" will linger, but stick with it and everything will turn out just fine! Adjusting, for anyone, will take some time, so don't feel left out! Academically, just stay the course and be prepared for the semester-long mental grind. Yes, you will only have a few hours of class a day, but a good portion of the rest NEEDS to be used to study, that is the biggest factor for success in college. Lastly, use those teacher office hours! They will love to meet with you and discuss things about class with you one on one! Don't be afraid! And again, RELAX!

Do something. Do anything. Find something that you love and make that your academic and career goal. Don't be overwhelmed by self doubt or the scale of your dreams. Take a small piece at a time, do it to your fullest ability, and those small victories will end up being an amazingly large accomplishment. The only thing standing between you right now and the person that you want to be is yourself. The only thing you have to do is try.

To my high school self: In college, you will face and overcome things that you never thought were possible. Learn to embrace resillience. You are stronger than you think. Take what you learn in college and spread it around. Don't miss out on opportunities to better yourself. Always be kind. Don't let anyone take advantage of you. Learn to be a good judge of people. Immerse yourself in different cultures. Stay out of drama. Apply yourself. Keep the friendships you make. Don't ever take this opportunity for granted. Participate in class. Share your opinion. Ask for help or reach out to someone who needs it. Explore your passions. Use everything that the campus has to offer. Be grateful. Don't underestimate yourself. Build relationships with your professors. Consider other's viewpoints. Always be respectful. And most importantly, if you ever think you made a mistake by coming to this university, stop yourself in your tracks. It's the best decision you will ever make. Love, A new and improved you.

It gets better! Senior year seems impossible to handle, with the stress piling on, the applications due, and the expectation to succeed as though the pressure is not eating you alive. It feels as though sometimes it is not even worth is to continue to fight for your dreams, and continue to further your education. However, it is most definitely worth it! Yes, the transition is very stressful and different, at first. But once you realize how hard you worked to get where you are, the transition becomes easier. College is full of new people and new opportunities, so power through your senior year, and succeed at the level you have always been capable of. Do not give up! Keep fighting for acceptance into your dream school, and stay motivated. It does not seem like it now, but in the end all the stress will be worth it. In the end, college life is worth every last tear, and all the frustration. The knowledge you gain from new classes, and the adventure of your new experiences allows you to forget the stress of the journey. Trust me, it gets better!