Colorado State University-Fort Collins Top Questions

I would tell myself in senior year that getting into a college isn't as hard as teachers and parents say. I would tell myself that no matter what college i choose to go to, I would still have to get used to the entirely new environment and I would need to stick my neck out no matter where I go. I would also tell myself that there is ALWAYS a club to join.

If I was able to go back in time and talk to myself before I had graduated high school, I probably would have said what every motivational speaker would say-- Follow Your Dreams! But honestly, I was a huge skeptic in high school, and I was terrified every single day that a career in the arts would turn me into a starving artist, and leave me broken on a street corner in New York. But the truth is I would not do anything else. I'm still not certain that in the end I'll be a better waitress than a costumer, but what I am certain about is that I'll be a damn good costumer. I am absolutely doing what I love, and I get to do it every single day. I struggle with depression, and I can unfortunately say that anything else probably would make it worse. But getting to create and learn and master my art, I am so much more than I was back then. I would tell myself to stick through the bad times because the bad times make you better, and honestly they're really not that bad. Keep dreaming!

Speaking to my high school senior self, I would say: "Relax!" Getting into college shouldn't have been as stressful as it was. I got into several schools! I would suggest that I think a lot harder about places I am comfrotable with in terms of community, as I have noticed that not fitting in at my current college causes a lot of strain. I would tell myself to focus on finding a place that's right for me as an individual, rather than a place that will get me the most valuable degree. I also would have applied to a lot more middle range schools, rather than all the Ivy leagues I applied to, as I now know that stressful environment wouldn't have been enjoyable. I've realized that the most important thing about college is feeling comfortable in every sense: the right climate, location, surroundings, campus and community. Feeling comfortable with political affiliations, social norms, and religious influences also plays a big role. I guess overall, I would tell myself not to doubt my ability to receive scholarships for school and focus solely on finding a place I can see myself truly happy for four years.

The biggest piece of advice that I would give to myself as a high school senior is to just breathe and look forward to the future. I was terrfied in senior year to move on and graduate, go to college, live away from home, and all the other challenges and experiences that come with growing up. However, now that I am here I know that I am going to be more than okay and just need to take it one day at a time.

If I could back in time and talk to myself about college I would tell myself to develop good study habits. In high school the course work was not nearly as demanding and did not require much studying. In college you must stay ahead of your classes by reading the material that will be covered in lecture ahead of time. In many classes the exams are the only grades for the semester which makes studying much more important because there are no other grades to help boost your grade. The exams are very in depth and often have questions that require bringing together many different concepts which is only possible by having a thorough understanding of the material. If I were to go back in time to my high school self I would stress that this level of understanding is not possible by scanning the class notes before the tests. It is aquired through dedicated review of the information everyday.

I would definitely say to not slack off during senior year. Even though you think that there's nothing left to do, you can be applying for scholarships as well as continuing to work hard. The GPA at the end is still a contributing factor of whether you get accepted or not, and continuing to work when everyone else has given up shows that you have a strong work ethic.

John Quincy Adams once said, "...you will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it." I know countless times I have overlooked the value of a higher education and the freedom which was bought for me. I would tell my high school self to reflect upon the inheritance I have been given as an American and not to take it lightly. I would exhort myself to excel in everything I put my hands to and apply for scholarships. Most of all I would tell myself to be thankful in all circumstances and give credit where credit is due.

I transferred in so I really cant say on this one...

The most important piece of advice I would give myself is start applying for scholarships earlier and apply for every one that you can. As an out of state student, my costs are very high and I would definitely tell myself to work harder to get more scholarships. Another piece of advice I would give myself is apply to the universities early so that you can apply for housing earlier and get your first choice of dorm

Being a high school senior and preparing for the transition to college is an anxiety-filled time, but also a very exciting time. The unknown awaits. For me, the unknown was scary, but I knew that I would feel at home at Colorado State University. I worried the most about making friends and being able to fit in where I wanted to. After having been in college for 2 years now, I would have advised my high school self to have more faith and confidence. Every in-coming freshman feels the exact same way. Therefore, everyone wants to be friends with everyone. Suddenly, there is a social explosion and making friends no longer seems to be so daunting. The other thing I was worried about before I entered college was whether or not I would succeed in a field of study that truly interested me. Now, being in a degree that I am passionate about, I would again tell my past self not to worry because there are so many options at CSU and as long as you follow your heart and not your wallet, you will end up doing something you will love forever.

Advice To My High School Self Experiences gained in my first two years of college have given me new insight and perspective. My recommendation to my high school self would be to choose a direction in which you believe you want to go, and picture yourself shining at the destination. As I mentioned in my Valedictorian speech, “life is about the journey”. However, I also believe the key to a successful college experience is figuring out where you want to go in life, followed by finding the most effective path to reach your desired goals. While one may not know exactly where they desire to end up, it’s important to imagine one’s self at the height of their success in something they are passionate about. Likewise, it’s essential to picture one’s self in the best light possible. As Henry David Thoreau so appropriately stated, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” When envisioning one’s self moving forward at the highest standards, very little will stand in the way of accomplishing goals and becoming the passionate individual who inspires others to fulfill their fullest potential as well.

College is a huge step and one that directly affects your future. There are so many opportunities both educational and personal and there isn't a better time to seize them than college. Going to college is not like going to a bigger high school, it takes hard work and determination and it is so important to keep yourself motivated with not only all the exciting events and orginizations but with school as well. Going into college is the time in your life where you can grow and develop into the true person who you want to be. It is so important to know that there are so many people, both inside and outside the school, who want to see you succeed and will help you the best they can, but, in the end, you are the only person who can really succeed or not in your educational carreer. Don't ever take this opportunity for granted because you are so privilaged to get to go to college and further your career. Use this opportunity to not only better yourself but better your community as well and i have no doubts that you can and will succeed!

Save all the money that you earn while in high school. You will need it to help pay for books, food and classes in college.

I would advise myself to participate in the scholarship hunt earlier. And I would give positive feedback to myself for being hands-on with the decisions that will affect the condition and shape of the rest of my life. I did most of my college preparation on my own. I would tell my self to stay proactive in my collegiate life.

If I were to go back and talk to myself as a high school student, I would make sure to reiterate the reasons why it is so important to go to college as soon as I finish high school. I would also make sure to stress the fact to study hard, because it will pay off in the end. I would say to have fun with college, too! It is very important to get through college before making any big commitments unless you have a lot of support. College can be tough, and the classes might not always be the most fun, but make the best of it, do your best, and you won’t regret it in the end.

I would have told myself to explore my career options better. I was so set on becoming a general physician that I never looked into anything else. Half way through my academic career at Colorado State University I changed my mind and switched to Occupational Therapy. Had I explored options better I could have planned according and completed my masters education at Colorado State. I would also have reminded myself how important it is to focus on school. I know the first couple years I did not fully apply myself to reach my potential. It definetly would have been worth the work and I would have gotten much more out of my education.

Knowing what I do now about college, I would give myself the following advice about college life. First, I would encourage myself to RELAX and enjoy college for what it is. Everything will eventually come together. Furthermore, I would insist that I take every opportunity that sounds the least bit fun, interesting or helpful. Taking chances made my last two years of college rich, full of life, learning and laughter. On a final note, I'd suggest to myself that I study harder in the classroom but realize the real learning takes place beyond textbooks and lectures.

of course this would all be quotes. "Hey Brad Koman, I need to talk to you. I am the older and wiser Brad. What I have to tell you will come as no surprise. " Old Brad said, "While you are attending high school do not change a thing, from what I did. I loved taking as many "Honors" classes as possible. It prepared me for college. Breaking baseball records, was wonderful, but being able to put the bat and glove to rest without regrets, will help you realize how to rise to tough situations." The wiser Brad warns, "Please don't change the stupid traditions that have been set like; Tubesock Tuesday and Referee Fridays. The best is dressing up for spirit days. Being Hulk Hogan was one of my personal favorites. Don't be afraid to be yourself, later you will find out that others wished that they had ventured outside the "safe" box. Don't stop lifting weight" "The one thing that I would like to see you change is when you finish 7th in your class, and when your name is called out during graduation, take that brief moment to savor the moment."

I have gotten a lot out of my college experience despite only having gone through one semester, because I have learned and been required in many ways to focus my abilities. I had previously never been required to push myself the way that I have in college and I am incredibly thank ful for that. I have also learned a lot about the human element through experiencing college so far, and learned that what makes a person selfish is not by achieving actions for themself, it's doing so wrecklessly, without abandon for the consequences of others and what sort of after-effects they will see from it. And it's also taking from others under the assumption that you are better than that person, that you are more deserving, when you haven't done anything to recieve what you are taking except hold yourself in higher esteem than others.

My time spent at CSU as truely allowed me to become the person I want to be. The people are accepting and you do not have to change yourself to fit in. The opportunities here are endless and it allows you to really stay connected and invovled. CSU has given me the opportunity to explore my passions and find out what really matters in my life and has shown me the difference I can make. Life long friends, experiences and values have been made and when I walk on campus I honestly feel at home.