Illinois Institute of Technology Top Questions

Classes have never been just about getting a good score and letting your parents brag about you with other parents. College gives you a shot of reality and problems that want you deal with it. There will be times where you won't know how to solve the problem, but the fact of the matter is, that feeling of nervousness and fear of failure while taking these shots is great to have. It shows that you are ready to take on these problems and solve them. College is where you'll be able to make these mistakes, but actually have the chance to amend them. With prudent and diligent decision making, this is ability to transition into college is possible.

I would tell myself to focus on my grades, take less hours at work, and apply for more scholarships. I tell myself about the importance of eductaion and show myself why it is essential to a positive future to take pridein and ownership of my grades and eductaion.

Dear High School Senior Ariel, You are making a large step in life, and I believe you are making one the best decisions to attend IIT. But before you prepare you mind for this transition, I want to share two things you could benefit from reading. Throughout your college years, get to know the people around you because you can learn from them and they from you. These are the ones living on your floor, the ones sitting next to you in class, even the ones sitting next to you at dinner. Everyone is from some place different and has unique interests; they can show you something you did not know, but you will find valuable in life or your career. Also, never underestimate the power of kindness! Whether you are talking to a friend, professor, or counselor, being kind in your dealings is best. When you show respect to people that are able to assist you, they will do so to the best of their ability. Ariel, you never know who will do their best in your behalf or who you could help! I think you are ready. Remember, this is more than a degree! Regards, College Junior Ariel

If I could travel back in time and advise my high school senior self about college, I would tell him that in order to succeed in college you need to make the effort to reach out to the professors if you have any problems with the class. At universities, the professos will not give you help. Instead, you have to come to the professor and tell them about your issues. The professors want the students to take intiative and ask for assistance. I have actually heard some professors say that they wish more students would come to their office hours more often. I would tell my past self to go meet with professors on the first week of school, and introduce yourself. That way the professor knows you on a personal level and will be more willing to help compared to someone who met with the professor a week before finals.

When I was in high school, I was enrolled in the Magnet Program which meant I had access to AP courses and courses offered at Virginia colleges. Because of this program I thought I was prepared for to attend any university I chose, the reality of my freshman year at Illinois Tech was totally different. The transition from high school senior to college freshman is more of a mental challenge. If I could go back in time and speak with myself as a high school senior, I would encourage myself to strengthen my time management skills. I would tell myself "The key to doing well is to not be lazy! No matter what, always start assignments and study time early. I know this seems like very simple advice but once you get to college you will be introduced to bigger, better distractions. It is extremely important that you have a strong sense of self-discipline."

I would scream to the past version of myself to stop fraternising with friends and focus on applying and visiting universities and making sure that your finances are in order in the fall, or you'll be scrambling with those same friends in the winter.

First, I would tell myself to stop being so arrogant. The younger me needed to stop thinking they were so much better than everyone else, because I learned that I'm not the smartest kid around. From this I found out that even though others are in fact smarter and more experienced than I am, that it's okay to ask for help and that it wouldn't damage my pride at all. Secondly, I would prepare myself for a huge smack in the face from reality; college is hard. College is hard on your mind, your body, your relationships with friends and family, and especially your wallet. College is about becoming an adult and learning new things, a lot of those new things will be about yourself. I would make sure to tell myself to take my time, plan things out, make sure I'm happy and not stressed. Things will be hard, but you have to know how to take care of yourself before dedicating so much time to studying. Finally, I would tell myself to make more friends during the semester, that people don't bite, and you'll be happier if you do.

If I could go back in time and speak to myself about college, I would say that procrastinating and putting off my future career would be a horrible mistake. Life is constantly throwing curve balls and it is never the right time to be in school. You just have to keep on moving forward and handling what is being dealt. I would tell myself that I have the motivation and positive mind set to make it through as long as I continue to believe in myself. That deep within, I have all the abilities needed to make it successfully through regardless of how hard I am on myself. That in continuing my higher education, I would find out things about myself that I didn't know and that it would reveal the type of hard worker that I am. I would remind myself that every decision counts and that continuing my college education would be the greatest decision I ever made.

Don't over do yourself with college classes and take college seriously.........

Firstly, I would tell myself to be smarter financially. I was selfish and was not thinking about money or my family when I chose the school I did. I could be paying much less for the same education I am receiving. Now, my family is paying for my choices. Secondly, I would advise myself to keep in touch with my high school friends. Although I do not see them often, it is still great to talk to them when I get the chance. Lastly, I would advise myself to try harder to make friends in college. Without making friends at college, the transition is very difficult. With friends, college is fun and exciting.