Iowa State University Top Questions

College isn't always easy, it's up to the student to earn his grades and stay on top of his studies and homework. I personally have learned to manage my time more efficiently and prioritize my studies so that I can raise my GPA and maintain it until I graduate. I have made my mistakes with school, and I am dealing with an unwanted low GPA and I'll be working on it. College is fun, but you must know your priorities and learn to take care of business when it comes down to it.

I have grown as a person and learned what it is like to depend on myself for the things I need. I have become a much stronger and more independant person. I have also learned a lot from the courses I have taken. Attending college helps you to have a different view on many subjects and I think that is the most valuable experience that I have gotten out of it.

In those dark lonely nights when you're staying up late to finish that paper you put off to the last minute, or those days when its hard to care about that homework you've been dreading since last week, just remember one simple idea: this is your future, seize upon the opportunity and do the absolute best you can. It will take determination, perseverance, and hard work but your actions today and for the next few years will allow you to live a happy life doing the kind of work you've always dreamed of. When you succeed and push on to the next level you will be surrounded by supportive people who have worked just as hard to be where you're at who will enrich your life. The college life will teach you how to be an independant, successful, and happy person but only after you've overcome the mistakes and roadblocks that are sure to be ahead. Be determined, perseverant, and hard working while always keeping one thing in mind: This is my future, I will seize the day, and I will succeed.

Work really hard over the summer and save up money, when you get to college, you're given many free options like working out at the on-campus gym and craft nights, but when you start to join clubs and activites, it can cost anywhere from $25 dollars a semester for dues to $2000 or more is you join a sorority or fraternity. Even if you live in an apartment, it starts to add up, cleaning supplies, toliet paper, groceries, and the occasional eating out. Then you have to think about books, try to find out your books ahead of time and order them from somewhere like amazon.com, copy the ISBN number, and after the first week of classes, you can decide which to sell because you don't need them and which to keep. Books from the campus bookstore can cost $500 or more! In high school, start to keep track of what you spend your money on, so that way you can adjust your habits if you need to before college. And you're going to get a lot of letters for credit cards, have one, use it once and month, and pay it back right away!!

get more involved in groups and talk more to adults to gain self confidence

Dear Nick, Rely on your decision-making ability because it will lead you to achieving and generating valuable opportunities to you latter in life. In your pursuit of a major in Forestry become active in Forestry Club and Society of American Foresters. These groups will provide necessary networking, which creates possible job opportunities. Always strive for more. By creating an independent study in Aspen regeneration for biomass production you will have a chance to a look into professional research. Internships are valuable experience. Do not pass up the Army Corps of Engineers or Soybean Breeding internships. Your time is the most valuable object you have. You will need to block off your schedule so you can manage your busy agenda. This will allocate your resources efficiently making you more productive. With this extra time you will free up invest in yourself by reading. Investing in yourself will better you as a person, which will improve every aspect of your life. Finally set goals, write them down, and keep them in front of you. I heard one time that; a person that doesn?t know where he is going, never gets there. The one and only, You, me,? Nick Bruss

I would let myself know that homework in college is entirely different from homework in high school. Most homework in college is for your benefit, and they only assign a minimal amount. Doing homework is a big part of understanding material, especially in classes that are large lectures. Also, even though this is a difficult school and it can be busy, be sure to make time to just have fun. Join clubs, look at fraternities, play games.

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself about finances, the importance of technology, and I would also surprise myself with how much I will love going to school. When I first entered college, I did not realize how much it would affect my pocketbook. My textbooks cost five times as much as I estimated, and many classes required additional materials. I would tell myself that I needed to set an additional amount outside of tution for textbooks and supplies, and to buy used books when appropriate. I would also stress using the many online resources available to a new student. I took many trips to the local campus to apply for admission, when I could have handled it all in a fraction of the time at home on my computer. The most important piece of advice I would give myself is to enjoy college. My first college class was very different from my high school classes, and it was a relief. I would have been better prepared for college life if I had known about finances, technology, and how much I would end up enjoying college.

If offered the chance to go back in time and offer advice to myself I don?t think I would go. Sometimes what makes life most exciting is the unpredictability. Learning to roll with the punches, and deal with situations as they occur is what helps us to grow as individuals. Character comes from situations that often times would have been avoided had we known the outcomes beforehand. Say perhaps I had advised a younger me to take calculus in high school. I would not have taken it in college or been frustrated to the point of changing major to what is now my passion, agriculture. To those younger than me I offer them this. Do the best you can at what you love, work hard because nothing that is worth having comes easy, but enjoy your work along the way. Recognize your blessings when you feel down, you still have it pretty good. College is a time of maximum freedom with minimum responsibility, enjoy responsibly.

The most important piece of advice that I would give myself is that college is more challenging than high school, but don't underestimate yourself. By working hard and staying focused a strong GPA is within reach. Don't be afraid to ask quetions when struggling in a course. It's not that you're not as smart as everyone else; others most likely have the same question. You may feel uncomfortable acknowledging that a course is hard for you but seek additional assistance when needed. The reward of achievement is worth all the humbling moments. I would also advice myself to step out of your comfort zone andtake advantage of the opportunities available across campus to try new things. Don't be shy, be confident in yourself; contrary to what you think, not everyone is watching you and casting judgment. Try new hobbies, attend events that you normally wouldn't and volunteer; it may be the most rewarding way to meet new people and learn more about you. Throughout it all stay true to yourself, work hard and make the course work your number one priority, but along the way have fun and explore all facets of yourself.