George Mason University Top Questions

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to do research on university clubs and get involved. In high school, I was a member of a co-curricular club known as DECA; I ate, slept, and breathed DECA during my high school career. I knew DECA had a collegiate sector but I had no clue that George Mason actually participated with Collegiate DECA. After getting settled in to my first semester of college, I happened to take a look at the university's club and activities page and I discovered that there was a George Mason DECA chapter and that I had just missed the deadline for becoming a member. Since the career path I am taking is to become a DECA Advisor, continuing my participation with DECA is necessary. Also, being a member of George Mason DECA would have helped me meet new people easier and I would not have the lack of on campus involvement that I do now as a second semester freshman. In summary, I would tell myself to look in to Mason's participation with DECA so I could still be involved with my passion.

If I were able to go back in time to give advice to my high school self, it would probably be a futile waste of time travel, since I was so hard-headed and prideful at that age. When I was 18, I moved across the country to study at the University of San Diego. After my freshman year, I decided to drop out of college to work full time, rather than take out student loans. I worked full time until the next year, when I enrolled in community college, and continued to work and live paycheck to paycheck. A year and a half later, I was accepted to the University of California- Davis, but I declined admission due to financial reasons yet again. At 18, I had no idea what I wanted to study, or where I wanted to end up career-wise. If I could speak with my high school self, I would tell her that it's OK to take some time to figure out what motivates you. But once you have found your driving passion, to dedicate yourself fully to education, as you will have many more opportunities with a college degree. No more waitressing!

To: Shane From: Your Future Self Subject: Advice to My High School Self 1. Take CLEP tests and Dual Enrollment and AP classes NOW to prepare for college level work, reduce college course load, and avoid thousands in tuition costs. 2. Keep your college freshman year course load down to 12-14 hours a semester. 3. If your college offers a Freshman Transition course, take it. You’ll have a better appreciation of the college resources available. 4. If your college offers you the opportunity to live in a dorm with students of similar interest, do so. It facilitates the development of friendships and your integration into the college community. 5. Keep a calendar to manage all your assignments and due dates. It’s the best way to manage your time and ensure your work is completed, and turned in, when due. 6. Organization is integral to success. Therefore, organize your paper, as well as your computer files. 7. Problems in a course? Don’t hesitate to seek help from a study group, teacher’s assistant, professor, or tutor before a problem becomes a failure. 8. Remember, help is only a phone call away when the inevitable laundry question arises.

Never Giveup.

It's okay to make mistakes and it's okay to not have all the answers right now. You don't need to live for anyone but yourself, so at least treat yourself with the level of respect that demands. There is absolutely no reason you should feel the need to starve yourself for the sake of having extra money for school expenses -- what good is any of that if you're not even well enough to use them? You shouldn't feel guilty about having less than the others around you, and you should remember that by no means are you inferior to them. You are a brilliant young student overflowing with possibilities, and you are capable of taking action even when the entire world seems to have crumbled down on top of you. Follow your passions, for they are your path. Keep working hard with that bright smile and never give up.

Looking back at the decisions I made in high school I feel like I really was prepared for college. I was highly involved in my campus and very independent. I also did a great deal of research to ensure I was going to the right university for me. If I could tell myself one thing it would be not to worry or stress over college transition. I was worried about being an out of state student from across the country at the time I was making my decision. I know realize I had nothing to worry about. Another piece of advice I would give myself would be to have taken a campus tour before I decided. I think it would have been nice to know more about the university before I got here instead of learning as I go.

Be prepared to study hard. College isn't like high school. Get used to 10 page essays, formal research, and a lot of studying. Be ready to face teachers who may never even learn your name, and won't baby you through the class to make sure that you pass. On top of it all, your parents are going to end up thousands of dollars in debt, so you better make them proud. However, at the same time, you are in for an incredibly interesting and rewarding experience that will shape the rest of your life. These classes aren't simply about memorizing elementary material, they are about learning about and connecting to the world you live in. You will be exposed to a number of professions and life paths, and it will be up to you to decide on one. Your biggest task is choosing the one you know will be right.

The advice I would give myself is to take a deep breathe don't panic take everything one day at a time. Make sure to keep a calendar book handy to keep track assignments and do due dates. Also set aside certain days to do certain subjects to keep everything organized. Don't write everything down listen to the professor when he repeats stuff or raises his/her voice during certain phrase means it will be important and on the test. Don't wait until the last minute when it time to get things for your room if your staying on campus because things do quickly, and make sure you know what you want to study before you go into college.

Going to college is something that I believe everyone should experience. Every person, man or female, has the opportunity to make this decision to move on to achieve that dream that you've always had. I can honestly say that I am ready to make that transition and move on with my life and be more independent and make your own decisions based on what your parents taught you. I know that college is not going to be easy, its going to take a lot of hard work and dedication if you really want to achieve that goal or dream what ever it may be. Just remember to manage your time and don't overwork yourself. Don't get caught up in the parties and lose focus on what is the right path.

I would tell myself to take advantage of all the opportunities you get in high school because they may never come again. And to make as many friends as possible as they can be very helpful to you in the future.

Dear High School Senior Me, Tighten up! Just because it's your senior year doesn't mean slacking off should be your first period class. You are a good person! Keep up the good work, stay involved, but don't slack off on homework assignments. Senioritis is a psychological thing, so don't give in to it. Keep your head clear and remember how badly you want to go to a good school and become somebody great. The way you set up your work habits now will influence your first year in college greatly. Trust me. Keep those Oprah Winfrey work ethics on the forefront of your mind. Remember it is okay to play hard, but it is important to work harder. It will pay off. You are gifted and have a lot of support from your teachers, friends, and family so don't let them down by playing around with your future. You are a future Patriot and they have strong work ethic and you will fit right in. Don't give up on your dream too early because you are on your way to a great future. Hang in there, your close to the finish! Sincerely, Future You

If I could go back in time to when I was a high school senior I would tell myself to take the SAT test two times instead of once. I would do this because the first time my score wasn't that good. I now regret my decision and am finding it hard to pay for college. My parents have eight children to put through college and I am currently one of three attending college. I wish that I did better on my SAT test because then I would have been offered more. But because I can't do that I am looking in a forward direction. I want to become a doctor one day and hope that I can do so. I know the work will be hard but the outcome will be well worth it. If I win this scholarship I'll be able to pay for my community college bills without having to work all year next year. This will give me more of a chance to focus on my studies, which are very important to me. I am thankful for the chances this country has given me that I would otherwise not have in Romania.

I've done this suvey before, and the disappointing part is I really wanted to get chosen and I didn't get a reply so, to be honest, I'm not going to bother answering the same question again. I really need this scholarship because I'm paying out-of-state tuition rates + the expensive housing fees. I have taken one too many loans, and the sad part is that I have burdened my parents as well with loans that have really high interest rates. Please, I'm in desperate need of this money. I just wish someday that life is not as complicated for getting rewarded a scholarship. I'm always under stress because I work so hard to get good grades, and I've always put so much time and effort into scholarship applications, which never seem to work out. Getting this scholarship would make me happy for a very long time. It would be a huge deal, and I just wish that you grant me this one huge favor! Please contact me at 703-870-9343 if you want to verify any of this information Best Regards, Sarah Obaidi

If I could go back in time, I would see myself as a high school senior that was fearful about the future. I think one of the most important things that I would tell myself then is to put aside my fears about the future and jump into my college career wholeheartedly. I was afraid of the changes that college would bring and overwhelmed by all that I was required to do. However, while the transition from high school to college seemed like a big jump, I now know that it was really just composed of little steps. Looking back on my past and looking forward to my future, I can see that the most important part of making a transition successfully is that I am willing to take the next tiny step. While each step may seem small and inconsequential, I know that every step I take adds up to a big jump. So, what would be my advice to my 18-year-old self? Boldy take the next available step without looking back and, before long, you will not believe how far you have come.

The advice I would give to myself would be to believe in all of life's possibilities. Education is available for everyone to enjoy. I would say, don't be afraid or negative but to set lifelong goals and do it right out of high school, don't wail thirty-five years. I would tell myself that college is the most important thing, other than being a mother, that a visually impaired or not person can do to prosper and have opportunities in life. I didn't believe that it would be possible for me to go to college because of my disability. I would tell myself that I will excell and earn my degree, because of my determination and positivism. I would tell myself that college is not as difficult as it might seem and that all the people involved in education would do everything possible for me to accomplish my dreams. I have finished my first semester and am beginning my second semester. I have a 4.0 gpa so far and intend to do the best ever in college. Thank you for allowing me to apply for this scholarship. Best wishes to all! Believe and you can.

If I could talk to my senior self I would tell myself to relax and enjoy my life. Whatever institution you attend after high school will be an incredible experience. Getting rejected from your top choice and settling for something else, is not the end of the world! Wherever you attend, you will meet new people who will stay your friends for the rest of your life. I would argue that it is better to get rejected from your top choice because then you don't know what the future holds and you get to go on an adventure! Enjoy your youth, and make sure to do well in college!

Advice about College for my High School Self, This is going to be a big change for you but that's okay. Don't expect to understand everything right away-there's a learning curve but you'll get it soon. Make sure you keep up with the homework but don't let it take over your life. Hang out with your roommates; they might end up being your best friends. But if not, that 's okay too. You're about to meet some amazing people; each one of them will be completely different from the last. Open up to the people you meet because once you do they will too. You'll find your life long friends here. Don't worry about Mom and Dad, they'll be okay. Mom will cry and Dad will be brave. They will both miss you more than they can ever tell you. Call them a lot, especially at first. Make sure to text every day becaue then they will know you are okay. But most of all be sure to enjoy your time as a new college student. There is nothing like it and it only comes once. Sincerely, Your College Self

Transferring from high school to a college/university can be a tricky and complicated process. Being a first generation American, it was even more confusing for me due to the lack of parental guidance. For high school students who are currently in the same position I was, my advice would be to stay organized and ask a lot of questions. After high school, I attended a community college in which the transition process wasn’t too difficult for I simply filled out an application and sent my transcript. It was the transition to a four year university which was the challenging part. My advice is summed up in the words map, notice, and ask. Map out the courses you will need for the desired degree, if you are planning to transfer as I did, then make sure you take the courses that transfer. Notice the deadlines, it is very easy to miss application and scholarship deadlines, the mistake of missing a deadline is one you want to avoid. Finally, my last piece of advice is ask, instead of fretting away in ignorance, it is best to ask for guidance or advice from counselors/advisers for they are there to help.

I would have advised myself to go straight to college out of High School. I took a break after High School before going to college so I could work and make money. It took me a while to get back into school after my break. I believe if I would have continued my education after High School, I would already be working in the medical field; which has always been my goal in life. Although, I do have the motivation to continue my education, I prolonged my journey.

If I could give advice to high school senior self, I would say so many things! The following is a list of things I wish I knew: college goes by fast, so enjoy every minute of it, get involved right away, work hard-play hard, don't let those fraternity boys fool you, friends come and go, don't take morning classes/Friday classes, check ratemyprofessor for information about professors, rent books, go to professors for help, go to campus events, and just be yourself. I have so many more things I could say, but don't regret anything.