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.