Iowa State University Top Questions

Don't rush the decision on which college you want to attend. Make sure you look at all your options. Don't worry about making friends that will come on its own.

I would tell myself to make sure that I place reminders for every thing that I want to go to as there have been several times that I have missed an event I was looking foward to when I lost track of time. I also would tell myself to be more sociable with those around me so that I can make the friends that I did and more. Through this I would be able to have more people to interact with and have a better time at college.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a highschool senior I would tell myself to figure out what I want to major in, apply for scholarships, and keep an open mind when entering college. As an incoming freshman to Iowa State University I was an open option major which caused me to take some classes that weren't in my interest area and kept me from joining a learning community. Being an open option major I missed out on many opportunities therefore I would tell myself as a high school senior to research the different undergraduate majors and decide on one. As I am paying for all four years of my college I am in great financial need and I would tell myself as a high school senior to apply for more scholarships in turn making it easier to pay for my first year of college. Last I would tell myself to keep and open mind because joining new things in college helps you meet more people and make more connections. If I were to keep an open mind I feel as though I would have experienced more in my freshman year.

My first piece of advice would be to calm down. As a senior, I was ridiculously worried about making the transition into college. I thought that it would be really difficult for me to buckle down and study, and that leaving home would be hard on me. I spent so much time worrying, and now that I'm actually here, I realize it was a whole lot of wasted energy. For me, the transition into college wasn't hard at all. In fact, it was liberating. It still is. I wish that I had more confidence in myself during my senior year, because I could have spent a lot more time enjoying my last year in high school. I would also want to tell myself that just because I didn't do so great in high school doesn't mean I can't in college. I thought motivating myself would be really hard, but I've found out that as long as you really want it, you can do it. I've performed worlds better my first semester in college than I ever did in high school.

Hey Kristen! Looks like you'll be headed to college soon. Yeah, college is a transition but you are going to be just fine! I have a few "words of wisdom" to share with you. Firstly, remember to be you. Just because you are starting anew doesn't mean you need to change who you are. Being yourself around new people is the best thing you can be. Trust me, I know from experience. Secondly, don't be afraid to try new things! Get involved on campus and in your major, even when people are telling you that you are too busy. You get to be the judge of that! Each person is unique and has his or her own personal capabilities. Don't limit yourself because someone else tells you that they think you won't be able to do something (or shouldn't do something). Once again, I know because I have been there and done that. Thirdly, keep an open mind. You are only a senior in high school and there is so much you don't know and haven't experienced yet. Be willing to step out of your box, girl. Have fun and good luck!

I would tell my young self to be open to new experiences and don't be afraid to put yourself out there. My biggest accomplishments have come from putting myself in unique situations that I would consider uncomfortable. Coming to a school where I knew no one forced me to open up and grow more than I ever could have imagined.

College. Such a meaningful word. For some, it is the glory days remembered. For others, it is the current late nights spent cramming for finals. And for you, it could be one of the most feared words of the future. It will feel like a tiny thought snowballing through your final years of high school, and once that last summer hits it is simply an overrated climax of packing, goodbyes, and unnecessary worry. In all reality, it is a change, a transition. However, contrary to popular belief, you will make new friends, you will see your old friends and family again, and you will survive. Three pieces of advice that I have for you going in to college are to get involved, stay connected, and to find YOU. Really let those words sink in. Get involved immediately whether it's a club or volunteer organization. Stay connected to your friends and family, and do not forget to send letters to your best friend and to call your mom. And most importantly, through everything seek who you are and who you want to become. If you truly find yourself, then the word college to you will mean one thing: success.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice, I would tell myself to love and approve myself exactly as I am. You have to trust your inner self and believe in yourself. These beliefs were missing in my high school life. My high school experiences are the typical memories of any one who ever went to high school. That included my friends hurting me, having my first crush break my heart, trying to survive math class and figuring out my future on top of family life. I had a terrible time making new friends and felt like a total outcast. Besides all my ups and down, there were times I had wished I was more supportive of myself. Instead, I constantly brought myself down. When I realized what I was doing was not making my situation better, I quickly learned to forgive myself for what I can and cannot do. This new self-esteem and understanding I wish I possessed in high school. I have come to understand that there is no one in the world who can give you all the love and acceptance you crave than your self.

Here is my first advice for myself: don't stress yourself out. I was usually nervous when it came to big events like Senior Project, or the big tests. From stress, I ended up getting sick and having back pain when it came to stress. I would tell myself that I don't need to stress about grades or Senior Project. Tell your friends in hip hop club about it & ask them for advice & not handle things alone. Also, I would tell myself to spend some more time with my friends then I did. I mostly spent time with friends in my senior year of high school & some of my freshmen year of high school. I feel that my friends will make my life much better. I would spend time with my family, but I would like to take a break from my family sometimes and spend time with them outside of school. Lastly, I would tell myself to get a real job now! Only babysitting once a week & volenteering at Lynnwood Library is not good enough get you by when you are about to start college. Overall, don't be stressed, have fun with people and get a job.

What advice would I give myself if I could travel back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior? Interesting question but a great one. I would definatly say that you need to find the person balance between course work and a social life. Grades are not necessarily the most important thing. A great deal of what society has/while come to is how well your social skills are and how well you can present your ideas. Dont be scared of the little things and surely do not focus on the little things cause if you do then you will miss the big picture that this is the best part of your life and you need to make it worth while. Just enjoy yourself and make it fun. If you are not having fun then something needs to change. The final thing would be to come to college single. Yes, that may be tough to say or hear but it allows you to start fresh and see that there is more to life that just you first love.