George Mason University Top Questions

Stones in your path are not things to trip over and lament about. They are opportunities to examine your path and choose the right direction toward your destiny.

Get yourself a planner or organizer. Write down everything and stay organized. Do not procrastinate. Plan ahead and always be thinking. Partying is great, but study harder. Take advantage of every single extra credit opportunity given. Be respectful to all your professors and let them know that you really care to learn. Don't skip class and treat all your fellow students with respect. Take notes in class and if you need a recorder, use one. If you feel that you are spending more time on Facebook than reading through your books, delete your Facebook -- don't worry, your friends who truly matter will keep in touch somehow. Keep track of all the important due dates. Study in advance for all quizzes and exams. Always use spell-check. Do not sleep in class. Make sure you put your phone on vibrate before all your classes. Try to come to all your classes-lectures on time. Be prepared for anything. If you need help, just ask. Introduce yourself to your professors on the first day and email if you have any questions. Take advantage of all resources. Don't cheat, ever. Enjoy every single day and don't forget to smile.

As a Freshman in college, I am often looking back on my high school years, as they are so recent, and thinking of what I could have done differently to make this transition easier. I can honestly say that I can look bck upon my senior year and have no regrets with one exception, simply learning better study habits. Throughout my twelve years of schooling I didn't really need to study to get A's in my classes, so I didn't, and senior year I began to see how my study skills were lacking and holding me back. My grades, while still above average, were not as high as I was used to and I didn't know what to do to fix that. I wish I would have taken the initiative and invested the time fixing my study skills in order to make the transition to the college workload an easier one.

As a woman who has raised two daughters, served in the armed forces, acquired an AS Degree, and is now entering the golden years of her life, I absoultely have a lot to say to the high school girl I was. First, remember always that you are a valuable human being. As you step onto the road that will determine your life, it is important to know your true worth. You can accomplish so much more than the limitations you may be tempted to place on yourself. If you choose to become a wife or a parent, this does not mean you cannot grow as an individual. Education is the most important aspect of inner growth that you should never deny yourself. The day you decide to enter life as a college student, you should never think, I can't. The student you were - will not be the student you become. At this stage in your life, your desire to learn, to grow, and to advance should not be hindered by the words, "can I do it?". Know, inl your heart, you can accomplish great things, by taking each day as it comes and living that day to the fullest.

Have you ever wondered what the world would be like if it was perfect? You're currently complaining about it nearly everyday! You will find the world’s imperfection is what makes it perfect. One of your future English professors, Dr. David R. Williams, will tell you the story of Adam & Eve, the perfect world. You'll ask him, “If the world was impeccable to begin with, why are we living in this flawed world now?” You'll learn it is because humans lack appreciation. You'll think the perfect world was inadequate. Can you imagine living in a world where people are unmotivated to do anything? Because we know there is death after life, and vice versa, people have the energy to make life enjoyable. What's unwanted may seem components of imperfection; but you'll see these phenomenon’s are intense driving forces. Stop fretting over why the world is lacking. My argument to you is the world is actually already flawless. The existing motivation humans have to reach perfection, is perfect. Feel at ease. You will become driven to join the movement of people who strive to grasp perfection little by little and you will be happy.

Do not choose schools based on your major and go in as undeclared. You should look as college as a time to explore your options and find out what it is that you really enjoy. If you pick a college based on your major, you may not get that time to widen your horizons. Also, it is possible that you will be dissatisfied with the program your school offers. Pick schools that offer a wide variety of programs and is well rounded to suit all programs.

Hey, self, try to not get so intimidated by filling out scholarship applications because we really need that money. Also, read up on your major and make sure it's what you really want to do. Try and study more for your AP tests (I know it sucks) but if we get a good grade that will save us some time in college! I know it's scary but you really need to try and be more open to things that you haven't done yet. Try and go to at least one frat party, it might suck but at least you can say you've done it. Be more confident and outgoing, don't be afraid to talk to new people. DO NOT live in a triple room, try for a single but settle for a double if that's all you can get. It costs more but it's worth it, BELIEVE ME. Don't be afraid of going to school so far from home, you'll love it. Keep up in school, don't procrastinate (HAHA I KNOW), and try and do something spontaneous every once in a while. Good luck!

SIGN UP FOR SCHOLARSHIPS EARLY! that's the most important thing i would tell myself. My family is in a tough financial situation so if i had signed up for scholarships early on, i wouldn't have to give my parents such a big financial burden. Another thing i would tell myself, is to enjoy the friends I have now since they're all going away the next year. Lastly, if i could go back, i would tell myself to focus on my studies rather than experience senoritis to the fullest.

College is a very important step in your life, so you need to put 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} interest in it and not slack off. Teachers are not going to be as lenient as they are in high school. If the teacher gives you an assignment and its due on a certain day and time, then that assignment has to be turned in at that exact day and time. Your teachers are not going to feel bad for you and give you another deadline, instead you will have to just deal with the bad grade. There is no room to slack off in college, because there is no extra credit to make up for the bad grade you got on your test or quiz. Some classes are only based on four tests and the final so you need to study hard for the tests, because otherwise your overall grade will lower. As a college student the amount of responsibilities will increase, because you are on your own. Your teachers will not be on your back reminding you of what is due. Overall, college will be a great time to grow and learn a lot about yourself that you didn’t know.

Having been through a couple of years of college now, there are several words of advice I could give myself, but the most important thing I would say is to not be afraid of taking risks. This is your time to grow, experience life, make mistakes (and learn from them), and have time. I repeat, this is YOUR TIME! Do not do things for others because you feel obligated to make someone proud or happy. Make yourself happy and know that at the end of the day you did something because it was your choice. Do not let the fear of making a mistake paralyze you from having fun or doing something out of the ordinary. It can be scary to do something new, but you may find a new passion or hobby. Lastly, do not let your confidence waiver when things do not go as planned-- sometimes the best things are complete surprises.