Drew University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Drew University know before they start?

Jonathan

The advice I would give myself is that to manage my time very effectivly, continuing being an optimistic student, if a situation may arrive that my disability got in the way do not hesitate to talk over with the professor to attain some support, take your time with your work load and never rush it, remember to keep being vigilent, and also become even more imaginitive than ever before in academic critically discussions.

William

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would give myself one very important piece of advice. I would tell myself to take senior year seriously, and try to better academically. This is not because I had bad grades in high school, but because I had bad study habits. Freshman year of college was my worst, academically, even though all the courses that I took were relatively easy. This is because I never had to focus on before. My first semester, I did not focus on my classes, and received much lower grades than I would have liked, or expected. In my second semester, I tried to take my classes more seriously, but I did not know how to study properly, so my grades suffered again. It was not until sophomore year that I figured out how to study properly, and by that point my GPA had already suffered, and it may affect my ability to go to graduate school. If I had taken high school seriously, I do not believe this would be a problem, since I would have fixed my work ethic before my freshman year of college.

Zsane

If I could go back in time, knowing what I know now, I would tell myself to be more focused. I would tell myself that this is an amazing oppurunity that is not to be wasted. I would tell myself that I should be open to more challenges, and be cautious of obstacles set to divert me from accomplishing my goals. I would warn myself that not everyone is my friend, and to be wary of the peers I come across. I would also advise opening up to others more, especially those willing to help, sacrifice, and share in the betterment of my future.

Sabrina

Going back to senior year a lot of people slack off. The one thing you cannot let yourself due is adapt to them and never slack off regardless of the cercumstances. The summer between high schoool and college is even more important due to the fact that it is time to get in the right mind set to work as hard as you can once you enter college. When you reach college you cannot due the minimum to get by because all that matters is your grades, they will be the base to the rest of your life. Work hard from September to December and once winter break comes, that will be the time to accomplish anything and everything you wanted to do in college but couldn't because of effort and work being put in. Lastly sometimes you are going to have unorganized professors; this is not an excuse to slack off, but one to be even more on top of things.

rugeiatu

First thing first, take every advantage to get involve in everything. There are a lot of things I wish I did in high school before coming to college. Some people may think high school is not as serious as college, however, that may not always be the case. The more educated you are the better and easy one's life would be in college. I am currently a biology major, I want to become an OBGYN, paying attention in my chemistry classes in high school would of helped me a lot during my freshman year. The amount of money these colleges are getting from us is huge take actions so your ad wouldn't be as high as mines.

Emma

If I could go back in time and give my high school senior self any advice, I would say not to be so judgmental. When I got to college, I was eager to make friends, but I was quick to judge others for little reason at all. Now, a college Sophomore, I am so much more accepting of every kind of person. I have friends in every area of study and every social group. I no longer feel restricted to friends just in my major, and I also find it much easier to befriend students in other years. My impression before college was that upperclassmen would want nothing to do with me, and this was a form of judgment that I passed on far too many potential friends. I have since made up for this, and can happily say that some of my best friends are juniors, seniors, and freshman of every racial, social, or academic background.

Alexandra

It is a different and difficult adjustment. You will struggle the first few weeks, but everything will get better. If you need help, ask for help. Do not stall on finding help, whether it is in your class work or other aspects of life. Not asking will only make it worse. Always do your work and don't procrastinate, even if you think you have time. It will come back to haunt you and leave you crying yourself to sleep because of the stress. Leave time for fun and relaxation. Even if you are busy, take time to recuperate and unwind. Do not worry about money. You will have little money and it will freak you out, but everything will be ok (even if you think it won't.) You are in college; it is a time to learn and have fun, not to worry about finances constantly. If you think everyone is drinking every weekend, there is a chance they are, but you don't have to. This also applies to sex. You are not the only one on campus not having sex. Last, take chances, even if you are scared of the outcome. It is better than regret.

Brooke

If I had the opportunity go to back and talk to myself senior year, I would tell myself that it’s not as scary as I think. I would tell myself that there are so many available options at Drew that can easily help me accommodate to anything there. I would tell myself to be available to everything and keep my eyes open for any opportunities that can make my experience that much better. The most important thing I think I would tell myself is to breathe. I was extremely nervous before coming to Drew, just because I’m more of a homebody than anything. If I talked to myself a few years later, it would have taken a lot of pressure off. I would tell myself that these are the best four years of my life, and to enjoy them before they are over!

Juan

If I could give my younger self some advice on high school I would more than likely say two simple things; think before you act and be someone you would be proud to know.As I went through high school I got into quite a bit of trouble but I always worried about my grades and my academic life. I was able to maintain a GPA over 3.5 and made a lot of sacrifices to go to the high school of my choice. It is extremely important for anyone in high school to have fun but also not jeopardize their academic life. the second advice was said given to me by the person that has affected my life the most in a positive way, my father. This advice has always remained very important and close to me since it truly is a great quote and it is applicable to anyone since it inspires the person to do their best at anything they do. I would tell myself to calm down and enjoy high school while it lasts, to not slack too much and to always give everything my best. Those are the basic keys to success in high school.

Allison

I would tell myself to keep up with my good habits and that these habits would eventually pay off. All throughout high school, I worked very hard in hopes of getting into the college of dreams. Although I did not get into this dream school, life took me on an even better path. I would tell myself that hard work really does pay off, even if this hard work does not take me to the destination that I originally had planned. The transition into college life for me was quite easy; I have always been a person who does my best on everything that I do; whether that be a homework assignment or an exam worth half of my final grade. The last piece of advice I would tell myself and probably the most important bit of advice would be to never underestimate myself and the ability to achieve my dreams. I would tell myself that I could do anything that I put my mind too, whether that is writing that 20 page psychology research paper or perfecting my Spanish speaking abilities.

Priyanka

You do not have to plan your life before going into college. I would advise people to go into college with an open mind to experience different things.

Heather

Dear High School Self - Relax and remain calm; college is a wonderful experience and you have nothing to worry about. Continue to study hard and work diligently, for it will pay off down the road. The skills you are learning from your teachers will become essential during your first year of college and you will put them to good use. It may seem terrifying at first - a new place with new faces that are somewhat questionable. Soon the campus will become your favorite place; you will make friends there, find trust in professors, and desire to spend every minute you can in the learning atmosphere. The idea of paying for school and books on your own is overwhelming, but continue to work hard at your jobs and you will manage. Paying for your schooling makes it ten times more meaningful and rewarding, especially when you receive your final grades. Overall, high school self, keep up the hard work and maintain an optimistic attitude - you will soon have everything you want and more.

preston

Future Motivation If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to try harder in school. Although I am working hard to succeed now, I always feel as though I have let myself down in the past academically. My senior year of high school was the worst! I moved twice that year and had absolutely no motivation whatsoever. Looking back now it is extremely embarrassing the fact that I nearly flunked PE due to the fact that I was never there. So when I arrive in the past and find myself lying in bed playing videogames I would tell my younger self to, get out of bed and get to class—trust me you are going to regret it! Although in reality I may have screwed up on my first go around, I am thankful for the opportunity to have another shot. Life lessons are sometimes better learnt through experience, because I know I will never miss a day of college!

Madeline

I would look at myself and say.. Do not drop out of high school. Stay in school and finish strong. It is better to have tried and failed than to have given up. Go straight into college when you finish high school and do not take a break because breaks turn into forever. Please care more about your future than what is happening with your friends. Choose to do homework over going out with your friends to have fun. Every assignment that is not a 100, do over. Take that assignment home and make sure that you know how to correctly work the ones that you have missed. Ask for help. Do not be afraid to see a teacher after school, hire a tutor, or ask your friends and family if they could lend a hand on an assignment that you are having trouble with. The last thing that I would say to myself is to never give up hope when all hope it lost. Do not dwell on the past. Care about the present. Picture yourself in the future.

Gloria

If I was able to go back to myself in high school I would tell myself not to panic so much about the future. I would tell myself that things work out the way I wanted them to and to focus more on enjoying myself. I would also have told myself to get a part-time job. This would have really helped since I have student loans. It is pretty hard to have job and go to college at the same time. Having that job in high school would have made a difference. Other than that, I would have told myself to not be so afraid to meet new people, to be myself and just enjoy my childhood. It is a difficult transition going from being in the protection of your parents wings to living on your own. I would also tell myself to enjoy all the time I can with my family since that quality time will get scarce.

Amber

The advice I would give myself is not to be afraid to take any chances in college, take any opportunity that comes my way such as doing the study of board, even if my parents don't want me to succeed in college ,I want to prove to them that I can do anything if I put my mind and soul into my dream . Another advice I would tell myself is to volunteer in college and get as many scholarships I can and not be afraid of telling people why I want to become a nurse.

Storm

I would tell myself to take this more seriously. As crazy as it seems, I took applications very lightly. I would retake my SATs, and apply for as many scholarships as possible. I would buy a fridge for my freshman year instead of renting one--it's cheaper that way. I would buy a memory foam mattress bad instead of an egg crate--it's worth the money! I would send thank-you cards to all of the teachers who helped to foster my academic side. Most of all, I would tell myself that I need to start learning how to take care of myself before others.

Nathania

Going two years back in time, the first thing I would do is grab the face of my 18 year old self, gaze deeply into my hazel chestnut eyes and restate what Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail” Although this quote holds simple words it embodies the purest truth to success. Knowing what I know now I would urge my younger self to let go of any fear and doubt and to take advantage of all the opportunities that Drew has to offer. Although I am a leader now, I would urge my younger self to start earlier in order to become susceptible to all the stupendous experiences that life and college has to offer. Rather than start off as the shy high school graduate, nervous of the transition into college life, I would advocate for my younger self to face it head on, with hands outstretched and a heart pulsing with curiosity and determination. I would later assure my younger timid self how essential it is to take advantage of all opportunities; it can help you release the hidden leader inside.

Carly

Life is incredibly unexpected, filled with things we go through that we might not ever understand or comprehend. What does it mean to be an adult? What does it mean to be a normal functioning human being? With so many questions that taunt us and corrupt our judgement, it is no reason to stop us from seeing what is there before our very eyes. Therefore, to my naive high school self, I would say, stop being everyone else. Don't fret what everyone else is doing. Yes, the medical field is growing, but nursing was never what you wanted, just an excuse to make Dad proud. College is very intense, expensive and could be wasted if you don't have a plan. Be aware and look inside to what you possess and what truly makes you happy. The future is in the present. Everything is this moment can change your life. Plan ahead and be patient. Don't change and become what others want you to become. It tears the heart and can take many years to fix, so just be yourself. This may seem difficult to handle , but it is quite elementary, just be and let life unfold naturally.

Miho

I would tell myself to go and plan for more scholarships.