Florida State University Top Questions

If there’s advice given on anything, one thing that should not be included is what to do when going into college. For a high school senior making the transition into college, it is the greatest learning experience of all. The best part of this learning experience? Everyone does it on their own. After high school friends split up, you choose different majors, you take different paths, and consider different careers. This inevitability forces you to become your own person and learn to do things on your own. Transitioning into college without any advice is the most essential part of growing up and creating your own person.

Do not rush into college life, but do not take the opportunity for granted. You will make mistakes, you will forget important things, and place importance on things that are not. This is human, this is natural, make sure you learn from it and take each experience as a way to improve upon yourself. You may feel you are ill prepared, overwelmed, and there will be days when you doubt every class you take, and your abilities as a student. This too, is natural and never stop believing in yourself because if you look around - each one of your professors and educators believe in you too. Every trial and tribulation will lead to growth, don't fetter yourself by holding back. Don't be afraid of new ideas, or ashamed of your own. Do not surround the world with yourself - surround yourself with the world. Be ready to take this transition with an open heart and arms.

Going to your first year of college is exciting and terrifying at the same time. If I would have known how many opportunities can be found by getting more involved in campus my freshman year, I would have done more. College is about meeting people, challenging yourself academically, and having the most fun you can without damging your GPA. Also, if I could go back I would try to remember that professors ARE there to help. If you are struggling with a course, then you should definitely spend some one-on-one time with your professors. Most teachers, atleast the ones at Florida State University, are very willing to help students and they want kids to pass their class. Another thing that I would remind myself is that college is hard, it is extremely important to manage your study time well in order to pass with flying colors. The number one thing I would go back and tell myself freshman year would be to have fun and get involved. College only comes once in life and it is important to really enjoy your time here and learn as much as possible.

Personally, going back in time to my senior year, I would have told myself that pacing my academics is key. Taking so many Advanced Placement classes in high school has limited the amount of entry-level classes I need to take. While this may seem like a good thing, being ahead of the game, I have been thrown into upper-level courses without an adjustment period. I do not regret any of my academic decisions from high school, nor do I regret any that I have made in my post-secondary education, but sometimes I wish I had more time to investigate 1996's nationally ranked number one party school. Among working part-time, going to school full-time and being a full-time sister, best friend and daughter I rarely have any Nicole time. I wish I could have prepared my high school-self for the trepidation ahead.

If I could talk to myself as a senior, I would tell myself not to worry about whether or not I will fit in or be home sick at first because there are thousands of other people my age in the same boat. Making friends and finding extra curricular activities will be way easier than you think. Your freshman year is all about taking a variety of classes focusing on different subjects and through that you will find what you are genuinely interested in. Put yourself out there and don't be afraid to attend anything alone because you are guaranteed to meet other people with similar interests. Make the most out of what the university provides (concerts,movies and other events) because you will always regret not going.

As you are about to enter college, there will be times during your academic career when you will feel discouraged and overwhelmed. Keep pressing on! These times will be short-lived and temporary. There are advisors both at college and in your personal life with whom you can discuss your frustrations or questions and who can help you sort through the confusion. Seek them out! They do not know you need advice unless you ask them for it. There are academic advisors, personal advisors and instructors who are ready and willing to assist you, just ask them. There are individuals in your personal life; pastors and supervisors in addition to your family and friends; who are willing to support you and help you through the difficult times as well as share their real-life experiences. Asking for help or assistance is asking someone to mentor or teach you. The essence of college is to learn! It is the acquisition of knowledge about new topics and ideas, the options in life available to you and about yourself as an individual and as a member of society. Welcome learning into your life and embrace the joy of the process of it.

If I could give advice to myself as a high school senior, I would first say to do a lot of research on the colleges I want to attend until I find one that meets all the expectations I want out of a college and gaining an education. I have always been a shy person and sometimes, I let that affect my social life. I was too shy and nervous to attend classes on campus, because I was afraid of meeting new people that I didn't know and being at a place I wasn't use to. I have decided to attend college online for that reason, but I have realized I've missed out on some great opportunity in getting to know other students and experiencing the campus life. I would go back and move into the dorms on campus if I could. Apply for scholarships. There are many out there that you can win if you just put the effort in applying. One last thing I would have told myself is don't forget to study as much as you can, even if you 'think' you know the material well, it's still important to ensure that.

Clay, you can do anything you put your mind to. You have friends, your family supports you (whether you realize it or not, now, they love you very much); now it's time to catch your dreams. Don't get caught up in what others think you're good at, what they think of you now, what you think of you; Don't pingeon-hole yourself. You have no idea who you "really" are fresh out of high school. But you'll find out. I know you're nervous. That won't change. But you have everything you need to succeed. You just have to realize that. You're going to find yourself frustrated at times. You're going to wonder why you put yourself through the things that you did. But it will help you learn. That's what college is about, cliche' or no. You'll discover a lot of things that may seem obvious, truths hidden in plain sight. We wanted to be a botanist when we were seven. I'm an environmental engineering major, now. Pretty cool, huh? Last thing: Keep an eye on your check book. Money doesn't grow on trees.

I would sit myself down, take away my pad and pencil, and force myself to listen. Unlike most kids, i've been on my own since I was 14 years old, so the transition of having to take care of myself would not be an issue. My biggest issue is my habit of distancing myself. I'd say: "You can not hide behind your smile and your poetry for your entire life. There will be times when you can't be nice to everyone because they are not going to help you, in fact they will most definitely hurt your goals. So know when to say no. When you are feeling like you don't want to go to class, no one will call you, most teachers won't even notice. Not every class you take can be about Dante's Inferno or E.E. cummings' poetry. You have to suck it up and realize you must do many things, fun AND boring before you can do what you want to be doing. Before you can be a lawyer/ poet/ and linguist. Don't get discouraged, no one can discourage you, but yourself. You can be your worst enemy."

My advice to you would be to take advantage of the many things the school has to offer. Keep your mind focus, there are plenty of opportunities to have fun, with that being said, it is easy to not realize how much fun you are having. Just because your friends may not have a heavy course load or do not care as much about their grades as you do, that doesn't mean you should join in their frivolity all the time. School is about being able to prepare and advance yourself for better opportunities in the future and for one to slip passed because you were having too much fun is a feasible misfortune. That isn't to say you shouldn't take things day-by-day, it just means that like all good things, remember to keep them in moderation.