George Mason University Top Questions

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself not to listen to all the people that discouraged me from applying to competitive schools. I would tell myself to apply to more and better colleges because now I know, I can succeed in that environment. I would stress to myself the importance of establishing credit as early as possible and to apply for a credit card now, to get loans for college in the fall. I think that if someone had given me this advice earlier, it would have helped me reach my true potential, helped me pay for college and save me a lot of stress. This is probably the best advice I could give myself as a high school senior about college and the transition.

I advise freshman to do several things before they start their first day of college. I will offer a list with a detailed description of all freshman should do: 1. Believe everything posted in the Unigo reviews. These reviews prevented my first week at George Mason from being a surprise. I knew to expect some of the campus food to be less than nutritious at times. I heard from upperclassmen that the campus food used to be worse at this school. Also, the reviews helped me to cope with the less than friendly major of students and enjoy my time here. 2. Read all the great college prep information. Go these following sites: ecampustours.com, fastweb.com, calnewport.com/blog, collegeprep101.com, collegelife.about.com, and several other sites. These sites offer students college tips, and it helps them to effectively navigate through their first year. More importantly, they learn time management skills to apply throughout college. 3. Research and visit the Office of Disability Services. This advice is most important to students with disabilities. Be sure to update and bring all important documentation to the office. Then the office will set up an appointment, so students can register to receive their accommodations. Being registered offers several advantages like registering for classes on the first day, being eligible to Delta Alpha Pi (Disability Honor Society), and meet with other students with similar challenges. Importantly, the accommodations also help with housing, particularly with getting single rooms. 4. Register at the earliest and most available date. This is very important to increase the chances of getting into the important and more desired courses. Also, try to register for more classes than needed. This will help with the decision process while deciding classes. 5. Apply for housing early. To do this, read all the directions then apply. This will alleviate a lot of trouble later on. Often times, housing might offer the better housing options to those who apply early. Importantly, be sure to put in housing preferences.

The advice I would give myself would be to not be so timid or shy in the beginings. I would say the biggest part wold just be yourself, be who you are and people will like you for that. I would also say that its ok to take a step away from the books every now and then and just go out and see a movie wth friends or just overall relax. Your first year is a year to start over from all the High School drama and really just open up to who you want to be and continue to search for that. The fall would be the best time to really add an extra class because with spring being your season it makes it easier to balance school and sports that way. When in doubt always talk with your coach they are there to help and will point you in the right directions. I would also say do more listening with your ears rather then your mouth you will find things to be much easier that way as well. Overall just have fun, be safe and follow your heart.

I would tell myself to take the time and develop proper study habits. Without the proper study habits, my first semester of college was extremely difficult, and while i was able to catch up on material eventually, if i had good study habits from the begining then i would not have had such an issue. Study habits are the most important thing in college. Just being smart is not enough. I would tell myself not to be so proud of my brains, because in college almost everyone is smart, it all comes down to who studied more.

Get involved, even if you do not feel like going to something, often this is where you meet the people that will be your friends. Try new clubs and schedule activities so you do not have time to be homesick. Get out of your dorm to do your homework and go to the library and make study groups with others who are hard workers and want to recieve a good grade. Enjoy what you are learning and look forward to class, this will give you a sense of purpose and make it easier to learn the information. Stay true to yourself, don't let anyone tell you that you have to change. Relax and have some fun with those that you enjoy being around, a best friend is just around the corner.

I would tell myself to practice staying on top of my work in my senior year and learn how to study effectively.

Transitions are tough, no matter where you go to college. Remember that it is a journey, you will struggle at times, but always know who you are, and respect who you will become. When you get to college join organizations, find activities you like, because that is where you will find people like you. These people will become life long friends, and show you things you never thouht of. Finally, take chances, step outside your comfort zone, this is your chance to explore the world see others' perspectives and form your own opinions. Don't be afraid, this is your first time on your own trust your gut and you'll make the right choices. And do not forget, you have love from your family which will get you through anything.

If I could go back in time to June 2006, when I was a senior in high school, I would tell myself that getting to know those around you is very important. Making friends and acquaintances is just as important as the lecture at hand. Knowing people alows you to network your ideas and turn them into realities. People are so much more accomodating and understanding when they know where you are coming from. It is so important to have your voice heard, and to prove to others why you stand out from the rest. If I could go back in time I would say hello to that person I sat next to all year, or the student with no one to eat lunch with. I am finally learning the importance of meeting new people and helping others to the best of my ability. I am surprised just how much a stranger has to offer you from their knowledge, and the friendship or business relationship that you can build from that.

I would tell myself to go above and beyond what the high school asked me to complete. I would create better study habits and find a way to take better notes in class and practice it.

If I could talk to my self as a senior, there are quite a few things I would tell myself. First, I would say: Do not be afraid of growing up and responsibility. It really is not as challenging adults tell you in high school. Just be smart and think logically, the rest should come naturally. Teacher often tell seniors that college is the hardest challenge we will ever face, and many students fail. Do not listen to them; college is as hard as you make it. When it comes to academics, the biggest piece of advice I can pass on is to take English class as seriously as possible. Seniors do not realize just how much writing college involves. You write essays in every subject you take. Learn how to write concisely and quickly, and how to organize your thoughts clearly on paper. A solid writer will come out ahead in college. The last advice I would give is to be as outgoing as possible. Be outgoing to friends, hall mates, teachers, and strangers. Contacts and networks equal success in the professional world. The more people you know, the better your opportunities are.