Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis Top Questions

During the last two years of high school, counselors and teaches put a tremendous amount of pressure on what we wanted to do in college. If I could go back and talk to myself, I would tell myself that you will have time in college to figure this out.High school does not provide many opportunities for students to delve into the career field they are interested in. Some classes may have aspects, but college is where you get the full experience. Many students change their majors or do not get into a program. In turn, students have to re-route their plan. This is what happened to me and it was the best thing to ever happen. I am now in a competitive Radiology program and I love it. Knowing this in high school would have saved my family and I from a lot of unwanted stress.

I would advice my high-school-senior self that the best thing to do is search for scholarships. I would tell her that this will benefit her in the future because even though our parents can give us money, they cannot always give us the money we need to pay for college. By applying for scholarships, including the ones that may not apply to us, it will be easier to know that we have an opportunity to obtain free money so that we may be able to pay for everything we will need in college, especially textbooks. I would also tell my high-school-senior self that by applying to many scholarships, she will have more chances of winning enough money to cover university costs by the time she transitions from college to university. I will encourage her to never give up on her studies and to study whichever area she desires to study. Most importantly, I would let her know that it is all right to begin in a community college if she wishes to do so because as a current college student, it has benefited me to save money in college and use it to save for university.

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to listen to ESPN's Stuart Scott who told me to, "Listend to your parents and do your homework". I spent the last few years of high school thinking they didn't know what they talked about and were out to make me miserable. Looking back, they were right about everything. For example, they told me that my ex-girlfriend was bad news and that I should stay focused my senior year. I didn't believe them, but they were right. I almost dropped out of college because of my ex-girlfriend. She was controlling and turned me away from my family. Family should always come first. My parents told me that I would regret not doing sports in highschool or college and they were right. I would tell myself take college math as soon as possible. I waited a few years to take math and really struggled, because I forgot how to do a lot of it. Finally, I would tell myself to network as much as possible. Not only will you make more friends, but it will also help you find a job.

I would tell myself to be more focused, not to get lost in the activities that surround our University. I would also tell myself not to procrastinate. Procrastination is the worst thing to do in college because there are always numerous homeworks due each week. Doing well in your first semester in college is important. Opportunities like honors societies and other benefit are more likely to happen with a good GPA the first semester. Another thing I have found very important is organization. My planner is my best friend. I would not know what to do if I did not have my planner. Getting involved in the various activites at a University is important to success. I would have liked to get involved more than I am. By getting involved you are able to make friends which is always good to have when taking hard classes!

College will test the balance between work, play, and socializing. Don't overestimate your abilities. Get things done quickly and efficiently. Stay organized and adapt to changes in plans. The library, professors, counselors, advisors, and tutors help to make a smooth transition from high school and through college. Stay confidant, assertive, and social. Make yourself known to your professors, and join as many clubs as you can handle. Make and keep friends for the right reasons. Step outside your comfort zone and try new things, but don't let anyone pressure you into things you don’t want to do. Keep in touch with old friends, and don't let your work keep you away from your family; they're an important part of your life that shouldn't be taken for granted. Find a job for future savings and school supplies. Talk to your boss if work becomes too much to handle so that together you two can come up with a solution. Participate in any events to get to know your coworkers. Be money-smart, do scholarships, use good judgment and the resources you're given, and most importantly have fun.

If I could go back four years ago and do this whole thing over again, I think I probably would. I love where I have gotten in life and coming to IUPUI has changed me for the better and I have even made life long friends. But if I could start over I would have put more thought into where I should have gone. IUPUI was a last minute decision for me I kind of rushed into it because I just needed to decide on a college. I also would have thought more into what I wanted to major in. It took me changing my major 4 times before I decided on Social Work. I would have advised myself to get way more involved, connection is key. You network by getting involved and getting your name out there. But other than I feel I have done a pretty good job these last three and half years of schooling.

I would choose to finish school and think of the career I want to do in college.I would advice all my friends to the same too.I would of gotten more serious.

Dear Bianca Nicole, Right now you are a sophomore in college with a 3.0 GPA. Daily I wonder what you should have done differently as a senior in high school. Knowing what you know now you definitely should have strived harder to achieve more success as an aspiring teacher. With the accident that involved losing your memory and the abuse that you endured causing your PTSD you definitely are a true survivor. I believe that you definitely could have started a campaign to end black on black crime and child abuse within the area of your neighborhood. You definitely should have listened to your single mother and stayed a girl scout. Even though you can't play sports senior year due to your brain injury from your accident you still could have watched the games and supported your classmates. You definitely did your best to achieve scholarships but there were so many more you missed out on because of your disorder. Now that you know all these things take what you know now and inspire other youth to achieve their aspirations and dreams. Write it, see it, speak it, believe it and more importantly achieve it. Sincerely, Bianca Nicole

I would tell myself that any preconcieved notion of college is pretty much correct socially. A majority of the people around you are just as open as you would hope they could be and they want to talk to you. There is no reason to fear any judgemental steel curtain that could come collapsing down, and in the rare occasion that it will, don't sweat it. In regards to academics, that other aspect of college, focus is a key. Everything is a distraction from the real reason you're here. It's going to be tough, and without focus it will be tougher. With the proper focus and motivation though, anything is possible, and you will make it through the hardest engineering courses.

I would tell myself as a highschool senior to look beyond the present and make decisions to invest in my future. Instead of becoming wrapped up in what's expected of me to "fit in," I would ask myself how I can serve others through friendships in college, community service, and my career. God made me the person I am with a purpose; I would prayerfully seek to find how I can impact my campus to make a difference in the world. It is very important to make the most of every opportunity that is brought to you. Thus, I would encourage myself to be prepared to learn how to manage my time to maximize my experiences in college. Through managing my time I can succeed academically, build deep friendships and community, and become involved in campus life. It is so important to go into college with a mindset and attitude of striving excellence. Be prepared to work really hard, but also keep in mind and discover what's important to you. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and seek out new opportunities and experiences. Attending college is a privelage that will shape your future.

If I could have a conversation with my high school self, I would tell her to ardently take on college by selecting a major that she would be excited to go to school for. I made the mistake of selecting a major that I thought would simply get me a stable job in the future. I realized after two years, that my major did not suit the life that I would want to live. When I thought about going to work each day, I was filled with dread with my decision of becoming a schoolteacher. I decided to change majors, which consequently made me change universities. I wish I would have been able to tell my high school self to choose interior design as a major. I have always had an artistic sense about me, and I was scared to select this major because of what my father would think. I should have accepted my own hopes and dreams and then chosen a major that applied to my inborn talent. I should have fearlessly told myself to embrace my dream instead of casting it aside. I now vow courageously to make my own decisions, despite what others might think.

What I would say is to encorage them to participate in all extra curicular activities but at the same time dedicate time to study. This is not highschool, the teachers are not going to be all the time telling you what to do, you are responsible for your grades and assignments. Having a professional degree is very important this days. Another important thing to remember that you should study something that you would love to do your entire life. You need to see this as something fun and that you have a pasion about. It is not always about the money, is about what make you happy. The first year is going to be a big transition in your life but it is not impossible.

I would tell myself to apply for scholarships earlier and as many as I could because as I mentioned earlier college is not cheap. I would also tell myself to prepare for the long nights of studying and losing sleep. That is one of the biggest things sacraficed in order to obtain the grade you want. High school is not like college, which has both its perks and downfalls. You don't have someone constantly on your back to tell you to go to class and turn in assignments, you are in charge of yourself. This also transforms you into an adult. The last thing I would mention to myself is pay close attention to money and time management because those are also some key componets. Although college might seem intimidating at first, you only get out what you put in.

I would tell myself to continue to work hard in school and to not give up when times get hard. College is a lot different from high school. You have to manage living on your own and taking care of yourself. Your life changes as you become an independant individual going into college. In order to reach your goal and get the degree you want, you have to work hard and focus on your education. Alos, seek help when you need it. There is no shame in getting some help when you are struggling. College provides tutors and other help for whenever you need it. And last I would tell myself to always stay positive, do not get in trouble, and enjoy your time at college.

Oh, high school self, look where you are a year down the road. You will actually come to love the school everybody else thinks as a commuter college. You know, you’re so much more of a leader, just because you took a few chances. You are a freshman delegate in the business student government and even a co-coordinator for the Regatta. Did you know, you will even be a team captain for your very own Regatta team? I realize you are afraid to be bold, but take those chances. You thought you would want to go far away for your college education, but you took the chance to go to the “commuter college”. Now look where you’re at, just a year later. You are more passionate about the school you never wanted to go to in the first place. Taking chances has even made you a leader within that huge campus. You are now happier than you have ever been. So, stop being fearful in high school, get more involved and take those chances!

College is a time for growth and trying new things. Honestly, how am I supposed to allow my 17 year old self to decide what career I want to do for the rest of my life? When I first started college, I began as a biomedical engineer. Thinking that this was what I chose for myself, I sat through class, hating every moment of it. After my first year, I decided that I was in charge of my destiny, and I wanted to do something that made me happy. I left Purdue and came to the IUPUI nursing program where I fell in love with nursing. I would tell my past self that, yes, it is ok sometimes to leap into the abyss. I had no idea how things would turn out for me, and now I've recently graduated from nursing school and got my first job in an ER. We are the makers of our destiny, and only I can make myself truly happy. Go for your dreams, even if it scares you.

I would tell myself to take those college classes that I could have taken. I would not have to worry about them now. I should not have been taking the lazy way out of senior year and actually strived to complete as many classes as I could. I would say you do not need to worry about hanging out with your friends, because if they are your realy friends they would be okay with not hanging out all the time and understand that school is the most important. Also, do not stress out about college, people make it much more harder than it actually is. It is a breeze so all you need to do is breathe and it will all be okay.

I would tell myself to look at more colleges. You shouldn't settle on the first one that offers you a scholarship. I would do more research on the college. I would want to know if there are plenty of clubs I could join. I would ask college students at the campus what they do for fun. If the answer was "party," I would know that isn't the school for me. I would also tell myself that the main thing to focus on is academics. I probably would have advised myself not to pick a school simply because I want to play soccer

Stay focused. Try not to get too freaked out when the teachers start piling on the work and when your parents are encouraging you to apply to more colleges and for more scholarships. You will have some late nights where all you seem to do is write essays and explain why you are a fantastic leader and intelligent human being. Do not let this take control of your life. Although it is very important to get these things completed, it is also important to relax and spend time with friends and family. This is probably your last year of living at home full time, and you will want to get in as many memories as possible. So while everything seems suffocating in the moment, remember that once graduation comes around, you will be glad of the time and effort invested into your bright future.

I would tell myself that even though college can sometimes be intimidating, it's still worth it. It's worth being able to learn more about the world around you. It's worth learning about how you can contribute to a global community. It's worth learning more about yourself. It's worth being able to better yourself in a institution with other diverse and talented students. It ma not pay off now, but it will be later one way or another. .