Gustavus Adolphus College Top Questions

I would tell myself is not to worry so much; don't worry that you chose the right school, don't worry about picking a major, don't worry about who your roommate will be, don't worry about paying for school, don't worry about making friends, don't worry about what people think of you. I was so worried about what college to choose, but I've realized that so many people transfer, its not the end of the world. Same for choosing a major, every other day my major changed, but it didn't matter. Since Gustavus is a liberal arts college I was able to try out a bunch of different classes to find out what interested me; you don't have to go into college knowing what you want to do. College costs a lot of money, but there are ways to afford it. Everyone has to make new friends and is open to meeting people. Just be yourself and open up; soon you will have so many connections. Know that you don't have to go into college knowing all the answers to life, because this is where you find those answers.

I should not procrastinate as much and start learning about different ways to study. By learning different study skills throughout highschool and by learning different note-taking skills I will benefit a lot from this. I should take more action in class and ask teachers questions and be more attentive in learning the material by meeting up with my teachers after class, etc. Participate in study groups and compare my thoughts with other people around me.

Being a first-year at Gustavus Adolphus College, I have learned many things about college that would have greatly helped me if I had known it in highschool. When my first classes began, the material I was learning seemed quite easy. It wasn?t until I received my first exam when I realized the mistakes I had made. If I could go back in time to my highschool senior self, I would advise her to add more hours for studying as well as focusing more on exams. Grades in college are mostly determined by exam scores, rather than homework assignments or extra credit. As a first-year, I have also realized the importance of choosing a school with great financial aid. When looking at schools, it is very important to look over the amount of scholarships and grants a school has to offer. Not only that, but prepare yourself for college by applying for as many scholarships as possible. Many colleges may lure you to their school with the amount of financial aid they offer, but as you get older, that amount may begin to dwindle. Even after senior year, I still strongly advise her to apply for more scholarships.

I have often wished I would have the ability to go back in time and talk to yourself as a high school senior because I transferred after my freshman year of college because I was not pleased with my first college decision. The most important advice I would give myself would be to place less emphasis on where the college is located. I grew up in a small town and desired to attend college in a larger city than the one I had grown up in but what I realized is that although you live in a certain city while attending college, it is the college and its respective atmosphere that one deals with on a daily basis. I learned this the hard way because my whole freshman year was spent at a college whose atmosphere made me uncomfortable although I enjoyed living in the city where the college was located. When I started looking for places to transfer to, I realized that it is the atmosphere of the college itslef is more imporant than location because the college is its own community and is the one in which you will be living.

First I would tell myself not to be afraid of future me, and explain that time travel is but one of the many wonders awaiting "us" at college. Then I would tell him what teachers to have, because a truly good professor can make a college class infinitely more beneficial to the student. If a teacher works with a student to unlock their best work the student will always remember what they were taught, and they will remember that teacher for a long time to come. Another important issue to stress would be sleep habits, I would tell him to learn how to wake up to an alarm clock and ignore the snooze button comletely, a snooze button is a college students worst enemy. Also to stay away from the Tilapia in the caf becuase it wont sit well with you. But most importantly is to be yourself, worrying about finding the right social niche can be very nerve wracking but if you just do what you love and engage yourself in the community your friends will point themselves out to you. Don't fake who you are to make friends it only gets you in trouble, just be you.

I know it's hard to imagine not being able to go on without your parents, but it'll be the best thing for you. Don't worry about your friends making fun of you for talking to your mom at least once every day, and even two or three times some days. Everyone accepts you for who you are, and you'll make some of the best friends of your entire life. Don't worry when your first roommate doesn't work out...you two will stay friends, but you just couldn't live together. Have fun and don't worry about your first semester ever and its grades....You'll get better at studying. Have fun and don't take anything too seriously! :)

Your transition will be fine! You'll make friends sooner than you think and you can still stay connected to your high school friends too. Go out and meet people. Walk around and say hello to people in your building and don't wait for them to come find you. You'll enjoy yourself more if you just get involved and go meet people. Also, read about your professor on ratemy rofessor.com but take it with a grain of salt. And don't go into college with your mind set on a certain career or major. Take some classes and find what you enjoy. Don't try to do too much! Pick a few extracurriculars and balance them with homework and time to get to know your friends. Learn to say "No" when you can't take on anymore. I promise that even your professor will understand when you can't take on extra work outside of class. And make good choices on who to room with each year. It's not fun when you don't want to be in your own room. Enjoy J-term for all it's worth and enjoy college! You'll do great!

I know that college seems like a scary prospect, right now. I know the fact that you're (dare I say it?) 'growing up' scares the crap out of you. But guess what? You're only as old as you feel! Haha. But seriously, Melissa, college won't change anything. Sure, you'll be in different kinds of classes, and you'll be away from home. But you'll still be YOU, and that's all you need to be. You don't have to act older, or more mature, or hide your love for anime. In fact, you're going to meet people just like you in college, and you're going to have a great time with them! So stop panicing. Remember to breathe. Keep smiling, and always, always be yourself. Things will be okay, and college is going to be great. I promise. (PS. Pack cereal. You eat a lot of it.)

Chill out. Go to Gustavus. You won't regret it. Love, Future You =]

Make your own decision. Your friends, parents, and other family will influence you during this process, but in the end, this is where you will hopefully be spending the next 4 or so years of your life! If you get to your college and you really don't like it, make another giant step and look for transfer schools! A lot of people's minds change after their freshman year. Don't be too afraid to find the BEST place for you - socially and academically.