Iowa State University Top Questions

I really wish that I had been more ready for a four year college and had not been afraid to branch away from the community college in my hometown. Making friends at a four year school is more difficult as a transfer student who does not live on campus than it is for a freshman living in the dorms. I also would have made sure that I paid more attention to the proper steps in applying for student loans and grants and knowing the limits of my financial situation. Preparing myself academically would have played a much different role in my college life today, as well as taking more college courses during high school.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself that college is very different from high school; some aspects are easier, some are harder, but the transition is the most difficult. Make sure that you get connected with a good group of friends; it's hard to survive very long without the influence of good people in your life. Be organized on the front end when it comes to classes; it will help you throughout the rest of the semester if you start out right. Don't be afraid of the professor, and don't be intimidated by a lecture hall with hundreds of people. If you have a question, ask; get help for yourself! Getting to know the professor can help with this, they're people just like you, that are paid to help you learn. Make sure you get out of your room often enough; it can be easy to let yourself become a shut-in. Take advantage of the free gym, and get your blood pumping at least a few times a week! And lastly, remember that it's your choice to attend college,so don't let it pass by you; seize the day!

Don't worry and DO NOT STRESS. I was really stressed out and put a lot on myself the first semester. It was a great learning experience, but I wish I had known I didn't have to do all of that right away.

I would give myself no advice, because that would change the future. There are people in my life right now who I could not imagine life without, and I wouldn't trade them for anything. However, assuming that I could keep them in my future and still give myself advice? I would tell myself to seriously consider other majors besides my current one. I would let myself know that years down the road it's going to be really hard, and I'm going to be committed to it for the sake of graduating. I would also tell myself to help my friends work harder at school. There is nothing worse than having them move away because they failed out of school, hearing their own disappointment in themselves. Finally I would tell myself to move out of on campus housing sooner. It's expensive!

I would realize how important school is and that what you are doing will affect your future. I had a family and never went to college. I took a short course. I wish I would have made college my priority. My parents never went to school and never talked to me about going. Now I am 39 and my children are older and I can make that time and use some of my energy to finally fullfil my dream of going to college.

If I had the chance to go back and talk to my high school self I would encourage the past me to take up summer classes and get a head start on college credits. I did not want to do it before because I thought they would be useless or the credits from our community college would not transfer over. That is not the case. If I could have gotten previous general education courses out of the way then I could have more time to take the courses I enjoy pertaining to my major. I would also tell myself to be more prepared for classes. College classes are not as easy as high school ones, but I would also tell my high school self not to worry about it. I came into college so stressed about being on my own, making grades, finding new friends, and finding a job, that I forgot I was supposed to take time for myself and have fun. After a while the classes get easier and everything picks up a rhythm, it is more comforting and feels normal after awhile. Overall I'd let myself know I can succeed in college.

I would tell myself to work at saving more money, and try harder to get scholarships to help pay for school. I would also advice myself to get a job at school. Last thing I would tell myself is to get more involved right away and to be less of a hermit. Oh and not to date the girl that I dated freshman year, that's all.

If I could go back in time to when I was a college senior, I would tell myself not to stress so much about my future in college. I used to worry all the time about being able to make friends and fit into college life, but the transition was one of the easiest parts about college. I would tell myself how much I love being responsible for myself and that even though I hate to admit it, Mom and Dad were nearly always right whenever they gave me advice. Another piece of advice I'd give myself is that I should do all those stupid scholarship applications that Mom tried to make me sit down and do. Even though they may not be the most fun way to spend a couple hours, it sure pays off in a few years when you don't have to work a crappy minimum wage job, and instead can hang out with your friends.

I would tell myself to be more social the first week and not lock myself in my room. To work harder then I think I need to. Stay up with the work and not get behind. Also to be preapred for homesicknes a lot.

I'd tell myself to make sure to talk to people during the first week. It's extremely important to go out and talk to people on your floor, since those are the people that you'll see the most of during the school year. You can make some lifelong friends by being friendly during the first week of the year. Also, get involved in clubs as much as you can. You'll meet a lot of people through clubs, and you can learn some really cool stuff by being involved in clubs.