George Mason University Top Questions

If I was able to go back and give myself advice about college life and the transition, I would tell myself to join a Fraternity. A fraternity would greatly have improved all aspects of college life and the transition. By joining a fraternity I would have met many new people with common interests depending on what type of frat I join. The transition would have been smoother because the upper classmen in my frat would be able to give me helpful hints and tips about the college and how to manage my time. My weekends certainly would not be quiet with all the activities that I would be doing to fill my time. I would be helping my community by doing volunteer work and I would hangout with my brothers in my spare time. Also with a fraternity, I would meet other great fraternities and sororities through group activities and having many contacts is very beneficial. I would be able to find someone in any field to help me with any situation whether it be a tutor, someone with a special skill, or just the know how of solving a problem. This information would have been very beneficial to me.

As a high schooler, I attended a boarding school and grew accustomed to living away from home very early. However, living in a dorm is not the only transition one needs to make at college. If I could go back to advise my senior self, I would tell myself to study more dilligently; rather than spending all my time with friends and not focussing. I would makes ure I knew that even if I didn't get to go to the school I wanted, that the school doesn't matter as long as you take advantage of the education you are given. I would also advise myself not to get too caught up in how well you do, because I tend to do worse when I think I'm doing fine. And lastly, I would tell myself to always put my best effort in, because even if you get a C, as long as you've done your best, that's all that matters.

Take it easy, evaluate all the options, spend a good deal of time trying to figure out what you really want to do ..

Transitioning from high school to college not only provides invaluable lessons to life but also transforms one into a grown, mature adult. In high school, I prepared for the journey towards college. Such skills, tools, and resources readily available pave the pathway to an education of higher learning. As a high school senior all but one adive stood above all--in order to make a decision, I must stand by it and to never look back. It was my choice to apply for scholarships to help pay for school tuition. There was a decision to make in applying for college and where to eventaully attend. A selection was made whether or not to accept college loans. All of these decisions became determinants of how I chose the college I decided to be in. Of course there was nothing to lose in doing scholarships given time. It was a matter of finding the right kinds and applying for them as soon as possible. Knowing the road I was prepared to drive on would be smooth and rocky at times, I had to make the best decisions that would reflect my ambitions, challenges and goals as best as possible.

Look into degree programs more closely and really work on transferring and making friends.

I would say that I was relatively practical in the advice that I gave myself as a high school senior with regards to my expectations, but the one thing that I would tell myself is to be realistic. I began at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. Coming from a small town, I thought that I wanted the big city life, but realized when I got there, that I was lonely and wanted more family support - all of whom were in Virginia or Maryland. I transferred to George Mason in Fairfax, Virginia and received the support of my family, who were in close proximity to my school, while also getting that city-life experience.

I would do it the same all over again because my ninth grade teachers stressed the importance of grades. I continued to stay focused and worked hard. One of the most important things I learned was that due dates are always closer than they appear and that taking a low grade is better than taking a zero so always put in your best effort. The work does not have to be the best, just make it your best. Even failing is learning because you learn what to avoid. Without education there is no progress, and no progress means no room for success. Make your pain a passionate, meaning if you do not like school do not work for it, adjust it to work for you by making it engaging.

Study hard from the beginning and take advantage of the resources given. Use your professors and get to know them - they are INCREDIBLE people! Never, EVER, give up, and enjoy your beautiful time while you have it :) School is amazing.

When I first came to college, I had no idea about what to expect. First of all, I was homeschooled until college, so I was worried about the transitions that I would make. Secondly, I was not excited to keep studying when I was almost done with high school. What I did not realize was that I would become more curious about the world and what I was studying and learn that homework done on time is easy to control. This really became clear to me four weeks into college, when I realized during calculus class that I was really excited to solve the word problem that I was doing so that I could find out what the maximum revenue of cookies would be. When it dawned on me about how engaged I was in my homework and what I was learning, I realized just how fun college is. Of course the parties and late night chats with friends are fun; everyone knows that because college social life is so talked about. However, I think that I would want to tell myself that one of the best things that I would learn in college is how to have fun learning.

Have a plan going into college, know what classes to take sooner.

I would look in the mirror and say Jasmine Griffith make sure that you pray every night, keep God, and your family close because college will be hard financially and academically. There will be days when you feel that you are entirely overwhelmed but the work is worth it. If your feeling stressed, never keep it bottled up, in fact call your mom and let her cheer you up. When possible volunteer and give back beccause you are very lucky to be where you are. Even though times are tough and you face days when you are not sure if you'll be back at school for the next semester because of your finances, just always remember that you are strong and there is always a way.

The only thing I would possibly change is how hard I worked in high school. I would tell myself to work harder, that it will pay off once I got to college. Also, I would tell myself to cherish my time with my family and friends, to enjoy every minute of it, because in college I do not get to see them as much as I would like. As far as advice in making the transition, I would advise that I should not worry as much as I did. Making friends is not as difficult as I expected as long as you are open and kind to others.

First off, I will tell myself to set-up long-term academic plans. Then, tell myself to practice and improve networking skills. Lastly, I will tell myself to establish priorities and at the same time enjoy college life.

To just relax, it is not as hard as you think it will be. Not to worry because there are tons of people at the university that will help you if you need any help transitioning. The begining will be different and strange for you, you will get used to it and you will enjoy it. Have fun and to always keep up with your school work, don't fall behind because it is hard to catch back up.

Don't hold back on speaking up about tuition expenses! If other colleges offer a financial aid package, try getting the college you'll be attending to match it. Also, any job you work that promises to assist with tuition, make sure they live up to it! You're a smart girl and you'll do great in college, no doubt! But remember money doesn't grow on trees. And heads up, you'll be paying your own way. All those pennies you saved up from young are going to slip right out of those pretty little fingers. You might want to look into finding a job that will pay generously and not leave you with the burden to bear alone.

Look for a campus that has the potential you want to see in yourself . Don't worry about where your friends are going--you'll keep in touch and make new friends. Look at the area surrounding the colleges you are considering. If you plan on going into the city or shopping or taking public transportation frequently, learn what resources the college has to offer. Consider all the programs and minors that the college offers because you might change your mind once you get here. Learn how the university works. Find out who to call when you need answers. Make a four year plan that is flexible and that can be updated every semester. Familiarize yourself with your major and your requirements. Try to get an on-campus job if you're living in a dorm. Most employers make it easy for working students to study at work. Don't forget to be yourself. Be open and honest and helpful to others because there's bound to be somebody who is in the same situation as you.

Prepare to study more your last two years of school. The work load does get significantly higher and you must get in that frame of mind and sacrefice sleep and other things to keep up your grades. Plan, plan, plan. Plan your four years out so that you can actually finish in four years. Very few people actually finish in four years. Take harder classes your first two years so you do not have to swamp yourself your last two years.

Don't be afraid to meet new people or get to know teachers on a personal level. Socially, meeting new people is the best way to open doors and create life long friends and connections. The teachers you get to know will be your helping hand when its time for you to get the job you've always wanted! Also, have more school spirit! Its a great way to have fun when you can yell your head off at basketball games!

If I had a chance to go back and give myself any advice I absolutely would. This, however, does not change the fact that both my experience and transition have taught me a lot. I would advise myself to take high school more seriously and have a better GPA and do better on my SATs. For me , this issue was my biggest weakness of all. I did not take SATs as serious as well as my last year of high school. The reason why I feel this way is because I learned that the results of my SATs and final year in high school shaped my life and college future differently. For me, the school I attended turned out the best choice for me , even though it wasn?t my first choice.

I would tell myself to focus more on the classes I need to finish a degree in Biology instead exploring other classes. And to focus on getting into a good graduate school.