Grand Valley State University Top Questions

Over the span of my freshman year thus far, things have been extremely different from the way I thought they would be. If I had known what I know now, I would definitely have done things differently. During my senior year, I focused a lot on colleges that were out-of-state, completely ignoring their tuition costs; as a result, I was only accepted to one school in Michigan. But, over the summer, my family and I applied for loans, and were denied financial aid many times. Using Parent Plus loans, I was able to finance my first semester at the only school I was accepted to, but after attending, I knew that it wasn't for me. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the things I would tell myself seem obvious. Phrases come to mind like, "Go with what you're good at" or "Look close to home." But other things come to mind as well. "Don't stress out so much." Because after all, the college I am at now is immensily enjoyable and has thus far been worth every hardship I have faced.

Be open to new experiances and new people, but most importantly to new career choices... Do not fight what you naturally seem to move towards or gravitate towards in courses... Yes it's scary changing your mind, but when you find your niche, you'll know it, and theres no greater feeling than knowing that you're headed down the path you were meant to be on. Sometimes you will get lost, but theres aways a prupose behind the confusion, and you WILL come out more secure and confident in your future :)

If I could go back and talk to myself during my senior year, I would tell myself to not be so worried or anxious, and to be more layed back about little things that happen throughout life. Going to college is an absolute privileged that your parents did not get the chance to do. So take this time in your life to meet, and experience friends that you will end up having for life, and use the rest of your time to find out who you are and what you want to become. You can do anything you put your mind and effort into. No matter what anyone tells you, you are just as smart and pretty as any of the girls going into college. Last but not least live life to the up most fullest.

If I could go back to when I was a senior in high school and give myself advice, I would tell myself to not get too stressed because everything will work out in the end. I would advice myself to enjoy the time in high school because I would miss it. At the same time college is not as scary as it seems. College is actually a great and wonderful experience. In the end just relax and enjoy your life.

If I could go back in time and talk to the high school senior Me, I would tell myself not to fear the future. I would say to the younger me that I have all the tools I need to transition into college. I'd tell her that it isn't about how much math or science you know that will help you get through classes but the majority of college life is adjusting to the social atmosphere. Only a small percent of your week is in a classroom so knowing how to survive outside those 15 hours each week is what helps you survive inside society and a community.

Dear Britt, Hey, senior year is looking pretty good isn't it? You've sure got a lot of great things going on in your life right now; a beautiful family, basketball and soccer games, great grades, and lots of friends! But there are some things I want you to know before you fly through your last year of high school. Please don't throw away that University of Michigan application. You are capable of a lot more than you think, don't doubt yourself now. Start putting some of your money into the bank and don't get lazy in class. Remember to play your hardest in every game this year or you'll have regrets later. But mostly, realize that you've not accomplished this much and worked so hard in high school just to go off to college and party. Britt, you are going to make some big mistakes, but those same mistakes will somehow end up turning you into the person you always hoped you would be. Just keep your mind focused and your heart strong and you'll see, everything is going to be okay.

As a high school senior, I would have liked someone to tell me about additional ways to get college credits. Take more AP classes and many more CLEP tests because my high school counselors have failed me in this regard. It would be good to tentatively schedule classes (semester by semester in advance) for my time spent in college so I don't take useless classes along the way. Spend time researching the college textbooks you will need in advance of the semester and purchase them at greatly reduced prices.

First of all, relax. The transition from high school to college can be very overwhelming, but it really isn't that scary. Go out and explore the campus right away, and to branch out from your regular group and make other friends. Do not only hang out with the kids from your high school, but instead force yourself to be social. College is a time to make knew friends and find yourself. You don't leave with just a degree, you leave with life experience. This life experience cannot be learned by staying in your dorm room, so go out and have some fun. Last but not least, maintain your good grades and make your mom proud.

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to have more faith in myself to do what I need to do for my future. I would tell myself that I did everything I could to be the best I could be to make something of myself. I would have more faith in myself to fill out and work for the scholarships that I want and need to make my way through college to be what I want to be. I would also tell myself that although commuting to school everyday will save me money for school, that it would have been best to live on campus to gain new experiences, friends, relationships, and freedom that will shape me into the person that I will one day be.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself that college isn't all about "the time of your life". College is new and exciting, but if you get caught up in the wrong things, like parties and putting off homework, then you won't be in such a great position. College is completely different than high school and its a lot more self motivated than high school. If you schedule your time wisely, make wise decisions, and work hard then you will do fine. Don't get caught up in the freedom of college or it can severly backfire. Even though you are "on your own" you need to be responsible for yourself. Still make time for yourself to have fun and relax and college can be "the time of your life".

Giving myself advice from what I know now would have been a major help, but as a senior would I actually have listened to what I had to say. ?College me? trying to make ?senior me?s? life easier does not mean all the answers should be told. In that way, I would not have learned anything that I do today. I simply would have expressed my concerns by leaving ?senior me? in wonder by explaining discovery is the main key in growing up and experiencing who one really is in his or her life time. High school is a time to be with friends and have fun everyday because once college comes everything will fade away. College is a new atmosphere that one must learn to care for his or her self in times of desperation. When venturing from high school leave nothing untied, fix all lose ends with friends, teachers, or companions because the opportunity to see them may never come again. Finally, always welcome change and enjoy yourself while you can! PS?Pack lighter than I did..

There are a lot of factors that I didn't think about when preparing for college. While I had heard all the stories of tough transitions, I never took any of the warnings seriously. I knew I could handle moving away from my family and friends and make it on my own. However, if I could go back, I would tell myself not to assume anything. I would tell myself that college is a tough adjustment no matter who it is and not to push myself with the thought that I can handle anything. I would suggest paying more attention to the people I meet at orientation and not to cling to kids with negative attitudes. I'd also tell myself to get the phone numbers of people I talked to and call them up to do something as soon as possible. Mostly, I'd tell myself to give people a chance. Some of the best friends are people you never thought you'd connect with. The classes in college aren't the challenge, it was starting my life on my own that was difficult.

When scheduling classes make sure you don't have morning or Friday classes. Make sure that you make good friends in the dorms and to make sure you get your homework done and study for test. Your first semester follows you all through your college career and it is hard to bring your GPA up if you get off on the wrong foot. Stay out of trouble with the law and go to your proffesors office hours. This is a whole lot different from high school. You need to read your textbook BEFORE class! Buy your textbooks used from an off campus bookstore or online. The campus bookstore will steal your money! Enjoy your time in college. It is the best time of your life!

Hey Lauren, listen up! I've got a wealth of information about college and the transition from highschool. First off, get to know your roommate. Since you decided to go in blind, I encourage you to set up a lunch or something to meet your roommate prior to the move in date. This will let you both plan for what each of you will bring to the room and will make things more comfortable when you finally live together. After moving in, make sure you meet as many people as you are comfortable with in the first week. Anyone that you think could become possible new friends, make sure you continue to attempt hanging out with them. Attend the various activities set up by the university and try not to be shy! What you do the first week can determine the rest of your time on campus! Most importantly, have fun! Don't stress to much about homework and tests. Yes, they are very important, but stressing out actually makes things work. These are supposed to be the best four years of your life-so make them be just that! Go Lakers!

I would have told myself to slow down and take my time. By not rushing myself through my classes and trying to force myself into a mold, I could have saved myself a lot of grief. I would tell myself to take more time for relaxing and having fun. I wouldn't have worried so much about money issues because there is always a way. I would have told myself to jump on every opportunity that came my way because college is such an incredible time in my life with chances that may not come again. But most of all, I would have told myself to simple take each day as it came, focusing on the issues of that day instead of worrying about the "what-ifs" of tomorrow. I could have saved myself a lot of grief and stress if I had just slowed down a bit more and enjoyed more of the small moments of college.

As a high school senior, especially being the eldest child and the first to leave the nest, college life was a mystery. One I could not wait to solve. Leaning solely on the advice and experiences of people who had already been to college, I ventured into the unknown. Now, with 3 semesters under my belt there are many things I wish I would have known. I would have told myself to be patient in the humbling search for new friends. It really is a smart idea to not go home on weekends for awhile so you can experience all that is available on campus. Things like social gatherings, sporting events, and volunteer opportunities. Beyond the social aspects, I'd really make sure I knew how important it is to utilize a professor's office hours, making sure they know who you are. Additionally, getting involved in a study group with your peers can minimize stress. Overall, I'd tell myself to relax and soak up every opportunity that comes around. College is a once in a lifetime experience that will be with a person for the rest of their lives. The decisions you make shape the person you become.

The advice I would give myself is to choice a college that you are interested in and not a college where all of your friends are going or where they will be a lot of parties. I would also suggest taking just general education classes to start off with to see where you really want to pursue a career in. Also, I would tell myself that it is ok to change your degree more than once since that is typical for every college student, in which I told myself in the beginning that I would stick to just one degree. I would choose a college that has good reputation for their academics along with their extra curricular activites to allow outside free time to take your mind off of academics. Choose a college that you will enjoy and grow from. Take chances and meet new people, take different classes that you may not be interested in, and enjoy time with your friends and family. Be serious in finding a career that you will enjoy but, at the same time have fun doing it!

There are a lot of things that I would tell myself if I could go back in time, but I have two pieces of advice that are the most important. Firstly, I would tell myself the importance of deciding a major after my first year at GVSU. By keeping in touch with my academic adviser and commiting to a specific major I would save myself a lot of the stress and trouble that I'm currently dealing with. I would also be graduating this year instead of 2012. Secondly, and most importantly, I would tell myself to be strong. I may come from a relatively poor family that lives in a small farming community, but that isn't a limitation, it's a characteristic. Even the smallest and most humble person can change the world. I need to stand up for myself and reach for the stars because if I work hard enough at building my ladder I can climb up to even the highest star.

I would tell myself what major I settled on so that I didn?t have to waste time getting into the thick of it and give myself another chance to take electives that are more applicable. I also would recommend that I use that information to break up major requirements with some fun electives. I would point out that I forgot to learn how to study. I would tell myself to read my history assignments and given myself copies of papers and especially lab reports so I could spend more time organizing and making my paper better and less time watching the clock countdown to class time. I would tell myself to go to bed. I would tell myself to get more involved in activities at school. I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships whether I thought I had a chance at them or not. I would urge myself to step out of my shell and make some friends.

If I could go back and give my senior self advice, I would explain how college assignments differ from high school homework and all the new responsibilities that becoming a college student entails. College requires you to rise to many different occasions, such as finding a way to pay for tuition and confront roommates to resolve problems. Homework is different when you enter college if it even existence. There are no daily assignments, readings are assigned and I would suggest staying caught up on these to reduce your future study time. Papers replace actual homework and you better check your syllabus twice because teachers are not guaranteed to mention due dates. College is an amazing experience, but always stay on top of the ball and keep your eyes open.