George Mason University Top Questions

Picking a college that is the right fit for you is important, but no matter where you go, you will find your niche and a group of friends that is perfect for you. Don't be afraid to expolore things you've never done in high school, because after graduation, you won't be in high school anymore. College is a new experience, and though it is intimidating and daunting, some of the best experiences of your life await you. Most of all, stop stressing! Though the school you pick is important, the effort you put into your education is worth more than what the college you choose to attend is "rated." No matter where you go, you can make the decision to be successful. It is up to you, not the office of admissions!

Dear Whitney,

After attending just one semester of college, I have gained enough experience and understanding to begin regretting some of my past decisions. To begin with, I would advise myself to get a job. This is extremely important for your future, and it is best to start practicing while still in high school. Find a job that you can work at during the weekends and even some weekdays because it is essential to learn to balance school, homework, a job, and leisure time. Plus, you earn some extra money which you can save up for college. Furthermore, pass those AP exams! I was fortunate enough to earn 16 credits that transferred to college, but had I passed a few more, I could have taken summer school classes and gotten an entire year ahead. The reason why I’m so keen on graduating a year early is because college is pricy, so the less time I spend there, the less money I spend there. Not to mention, there’s graduate school after that, adding another two years to my agenda. Ultimately, I would advise myself to work faster, with more efficiency yet with just as much intellect, but remember to have fun.

Remember to consider all of your choices very carefully and to think about the many ways that life is affected by each thing you do. I married young and had children very quickly after I married. My first baby was born just before my 21st birthday. Starting a family was a conscious choice I made, but I didn't fully think through the implications that those choices held for my education and carreer. Many people do a great job of balancing family and career, but I think that can only be managed with a lot of foresight and planning. When we are really young sometimes we just make choices based on what feels good at the time without fully thinking through all the implications. I dropped out of school when the demands of my family became too difficult to balance (because I hadn't planned well for them) and didn't make it back to school for a decade. I don't know that I would have made different choices if I could go back, but I think I would have been happier for much of that time if I had made those choices more consciously.

Hey mini-me fom the past! Listen up, okay? High school is almost over, and I know you're dissapointed in yourself. All I can tell you is to forget the past, and move forward. Stop being lazy, and just work hard. If you don't put effort in, don't expect to gain anything - you've learned that the hard way. Ask yourself what you really want, and I am sure that when you realize it, you'll be able to pick yourself up and make life more meaningful. Don't regret high school; I look back and still cherish those people, those memories. Everyone goes at their own pace, and you are no different. But don't waste the time you have now either! Every minute, every second is time that can be well used and less regretted. Remember, the most difficult battle you have is with yourself. "The most effective way to do it, is to do it". You either do it, or you don't. Spare yourself wasted time, and you will find yourself living happily. Stay optimistic as you always have been, and here's a tip to start you off: Go practice violin. Now!

Dear Kati, You're a high school senior and about to graduate. You finally recieved your acceptance letter to George Mason University. Congrats! You worked very hard for this moment. I know how excited you are to leave home and start a new life for yourself. Before you leave though, I have some advice for you. 1# Don't Forget You're Purpose When making new friends, attending events, and joining clubs, it's easy to get caught up in college's social scene. Although being involved on campus and having a social life is important, academics come first. Gaining knowledge and earning a degree are your ultimate goals. That's why you came to college in the first place! 2# Time Management Make schedules and prioritize your responsibilities. Pay attention to deadllines and never procrastinate. Using your time wisely is the key to success and avoiding stress. 3# Try and Do Everything... Legal! Attending such a diverse campus and living so close to Washington D.C., take advantage of the unquie oppurtunities that the area offers. Experiment with fashion trends, try new foods, and explore D.C.'s nightlife. Have fun, but always be safe! Sincerely, Your College Self

Assuming that I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior; knowing what I know NOW about college life and making the transition, I'd have some very helpful advise for myself (I believe). I would tell myself instead of wasting time and energy filling my class periods with teacher's assistance hours, etc., I should opt to take more foreign language classes. I would also tell myself to enroll at the local junior college to concurrently enroll in college courses to give myself the exposure early. I would tell myself not to take any time off in between high school and college. I would tell myself that while my high school transcript grades were excellent, I needed to supplement with involvement in community groups, etc., to make my 'portfolio' look even better. I would have given my former, younger self advise on the upcoming harsh realities of the real world and better prepared myself for it soas not to suffer as much, but to brace myself and know that while I am strong and capable...I couldv'e saved so much time and heartache figuring that out about me.

Be patience,life isnt easy. Working hard and trying is all it takes. when it seems too hard,and you just want to walk away,take a deep breath...and be patience. Its all worth it in the end. Have faith in yourself,you will be alright. I promise.

George Mason is a great place to live on campus. It has its own movie theatre where they play movies as soon as they come out on DVD, and its free with you campus ID! The dorms I would advise you to pick are the Student Apartments. It has a kitchen, microwave, stove and oven, and bathroom. The laundromats around them are free with your Mason ID. Plus. Student Apartments is the cheapest on the campus and convenient if you're going to become a music major and taking more than 12 credits per semester. The campus also has small versions of restaurants like Chick-Fil-A and Taco Bell (Or at least it will because it has them there in my time). Did I mention the food is great and the friends you will meet are awesome and they actually like you, unlike some of the folks here in high school. I do hope you consider this, bro. Make sure you sign up for financial aid because Mason isn't cheap, but it's worth the cost! If you don't come here, you don't know what you're missing! Be there in the future, bro!

If I could go back in time and give advice to myself as a high school senior I would be sure to tell myself to just take each day one at a time. Never try to do more than you can as far as balancing schoolwork and your social life. Yes, it is good to stay busy but you do not want to find yourself stuck and with such a full schedule that you are overwhelmed. This will just create unecessary stress that does not need to be out on top of the stress that you will already have from college life itself. I would also tell myself to not have any worries when adjusting to college life. Once you walk onto the campus take a deep breath and know that everything will be alright. You worked numbers of years to make it to this point, no time to turn around now. College will be one of the best times if not te best time in your life, so make the most of it.