Florida International University Top Questions

WOW. If I were able to go back in time as a high school senior I would definately tell myself to research everything about the school of my choice and make sure it fits my guidelines (social life, tuition, location, etc) It's nothing worse than going to a school and finding it hard to co-exist or survive because of the severity of the problems that may occur. Also, I'd reseach a lot more scholarships that would be appliable for four yrs. It's really hard to finance college if you don't receive sufficient financial aid. I would definately go back in time and make sure that I inform myself of this vital information.

Self - College is not a slightly more difficult high-school. We didn't have a problem in HS because we managed to get by on brains alone. If you procrastinate in college, you will fail classes. Studying isn't just re-reading the notes, you have to remember to actually re-read the chapters, take more notes, get in study-groups, ask for help. It's harder than you expect it to be. It's awesome to be able to choose when your classes are, but don't get carried away. It's harder to wake up in the mornings especially if you've been up until 2 re-writing a paper. Take that into account since your grade drops if you miss too many classes. And on that note, just because you can skip, doesn't mean you should. Just be smart, Self. Don't take it lightly because scholarships do not carry over if your grades are not good and there are no guarantees. Ask for help (I know it's hard!). Make sure to plan accordingly, leave enough time to get to school in the morning, unplug from the Internet sometimes. Godspeed and good luck, Self. -Me

If I had known what I know now I would tell my high school self to stay living at home. Even though it would have meant living in another state and having to wait a year for financial aid to be available to me, at least I would not have suffered so much heartache and headaches. Living on campus was like trying to make ends meet. For the amount of money housing charges it is not worth it since you will not have enough money, if any, left over to pay for books. It becomes nearly impossible to find an on campus or even an off campus job that's close by. The only way to move around outside of school is by carpooling or having money for a bus, which you won't. It can get very lonely on campus even when surrounded by many. It will be a hard year with the passing of your grandmother and it is something you don't want to go through alone. The staff isn't very helpful and the teachers don't teach well enough for you to learn. Go somewhere else for Univeristy.

Any change or new opportunity has its pros and cons; education is key to ensuring a secure future in our competitive, globalized world. Although leaving home may be difficult for some, others may have no choice; attending a college or university is the next step in the lives of many, and is a process that I believe can be very intimidating. But don't be afraid to reach out for advice from a counselor or advisor. Money issues? Millions of dollars of scholarship money go unused each year!! Personally, I think local accredited institutions such as community colleges are a great place to start to get basic courses out of the way at low cost, close to home. This also allows the student to build confidence in their ability to accel in college, as it is quite a different pace and expectations as the typical high school may have. My advice: one step at a time (even if that means 1 class at a time) and find someone willing to hold your hand if the street gets too busy. Your education & your future are way too valuable; invest in yourself and take the first step.

I would tell myself that i don't have to go away to school to get the best experience. Also, to have fun and enjoy time at college and not get lost in my books, although my studies are very important. Get involved, learn, explore, and enjoy the years ahead, but never lose sight of my goals and aspirations as they will take discipline and hard work, but the reward will definately be worth it !

I would tell myself to volunteer in my preferred field of study because several individuals are aware of what they want to do and are moving in that direction. I would also say that college is not only a time to explore but also a time to find what one's passions and dislikes are but always keep in mind that you should always have a standard for yourself and never drop below that standard.

Realize that nothing in high school prepares you for college. You can shed your old image, friends, and hang ups and explore who you are. Realize that you are an adult, decisions you make affect the rest of your life. Money and financial planning is something that should be a top priority throughout your college career. Use the resources available to you - other class mates, professors, student organization, student services. Make connections with other people in the college community. Live it up because no other period in your life will ever be as free and adventurous.

Try harder in high school to be able to get accepted into a better college.

Be more motivated in what you aspire to acheive. College is tough and if you wish to make it through and make something of yourself you have to develop strict studying habits now. Look into scholarships early and make sure you have everything planned out ahead of time. Don't lose motivation!

I would convince myself to become more driven, both emotionally and academically, with my career choices, and most possibly kick myself into remembering there are faculty and staff that are both willing and able to help when help is needed. I would try to encourage myself to not just think about joining a sorority, but actually doing so if I could; and above all else, remind myself to slow down,just enough so that I can sit on the grassy hills of Florida International University and take in the reality that, yes, I'm an independent college student whose future is not only a dream, but an achievable possibility.

"Kassandra?" "That's me," she'd say, turning around. Then, she'd stop dead in her tracks. If I went back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, after inducing in myself short-term Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and doubt of sanity, I'd tell myself that college is probably the best, most scintillating and eye-opening expereinces that I have ever been thorugh. "Are you just saying that?" she asked skeptically. I'd shake my head "Absolutely not, and I--you--," I wouldn't know how to address "us". "We're doing quite well...A's and B's on everything." A proud smile. "The main thing is to not allow yourself to get distracted," I'd continue. "Keep your priorities straight. So many others procrastinate and party and slack off. Make sure you stay focused and you will succeed in everything you take on." She'd sit there, imagining for herself this highly anticipated new part of her life. "And, Kass..." She'd turn back to me. "There are going to be times when you're so stressed you break down, but you always make it through. We've always been determined like that."

Some words of advice that I would provide to prospective incoming freshman college students and their parents is to not be completely let down if you don't end up getting your first choice for college. Speaking from first hand experience I did not get accepted to my first choice, so i had to settle for my second. The "college experience" is really what you make of it. If you feel negative towards your school then you're going to get a negative experience from it. You have to make the most of it, and really research and find out how you can be involved on campus. Once you have all the network connections you can move on to do greater things.

College is what you make of it. For many, it is the greatest years of their lives. The best advice I can give you is to diversify yourself. Don't just go to school to party, attend football games, socialize, study non-stop, or get involved in every organization on campus. Make sure you take a little bit from everything there is to do. If you spend your first year doing nothing but studying, you will soon burn out. Grades are, of course, extremely important. However, it is very possible to have a 4.0 GPA while managing a social life. Don't just party every night, you will get tired of it and you might just have to drop out if your grades slip. Learning time management is the key to having a sucessful college experience. Manage your time and try new activities. Take a leadership position or two, but do not join so many organizations that you have no time to go out on the weekends or study for that exam next week. Lastly, keep a positive mindset because you can accomplish anything you put you set out to accomplish.

Make sure to take the time to do extensive research of what college is for you.

Ideally choose a university that has a great program based on your passion, but make sure that you have enough money and financial support. During high school, talk with advisors, and faculty during about what options are out there. Do NOT base your decision solely on distance from where you live, just like myself. Once in college, get involved in community/special interest clubs. Get active on issues that matter to you: that will connect you with people that are interesting and inspiring. Look at professors reviews online before taking a class with them. Read the university's newspaper: that is a way of getting connected to what is going on in that smaller community and you will make better decisions when voting in student government elections, and attend to university related forums. Make of your campus your little-practice-world, so in the future, after graduation, you will be more familiar on what it takes to be involved in the "real" community and political processes, since those two factors will greatly help you in your career and how well you will do on it.

I give them not to give up in school and make all ends meet. Try to work hard at your work and make an effort to study your material . Over come obstacles and head forward.

My advice is to select the right college that you think is right for you. Take into consideration the fact if you want a big school, what kind of environment you want to be in, and how motivated you are to suceed.

i think that stuendets should go with what feels rigth, i rememeber at first i always said i didnt want to go to FIU and i wanted to go to my dream school in central florida, but when i went to visit the campus and went on the audition process at my fream school i didnt feel that say way i felt when i went to FIU and i audition there, like i said on a previous quiestion as soon as i walked in through those thetaer department doors, i felt welcome which was something that i didnt feel at my dream school, so not awlays your dream school is the best you you, its the right program!

Choosing the right college isn't easy. Visit the campus beforehand. Check out the food options on campus. Check the apartments on campus. Check everything that you deem important to you. Even little things that you don't think will matter like parking spaces, make sure you are comfortable with everything. You (the student) are the one who will be going to school there so you have to be comfortable, not your parents. Just because you are accepted into the university doesn't mean that you stop applying for scholarships. Apply, apply, APPLY! As for campus life, join clubs! One of the best decisions I made was joining a club for leadership. I had the time of my life. It was amazing. And that was just one club., so there are PLENTY more to join that give you amazing life experiences. Make friends in your resident halls because you will spending ALOT of time with them and they may help you out later in your college careere. HAVE A GOOD TIME. Take school seriously but allow yourself to have a good time as well. Good Luck!!

I think that in order to find the right college for you, you need to do some research. Make sure that you take the tours, visit the website, and talk to the students. Every college has its pros and cons. In order to ensure that you make the most out of your college experience, make sure that the pros out-weigh the cons. Even though I felt that the university I chose was way too large for my taste, I was happy because of the education I was getting through the Honors College and through the College of Education, which is one of the best in the state. Another way to make sure that you make the most out of your entire college experience is to get involved in the school. I was not as involved as I would have liked to be, and I regret that. I was not as involved because I had a full-time job in order to pay for classes. You can use my experience as a learning situation. Make sure that you apply for as many scholarships as possible in order to pay for classes so that you have the time to get involved.