Iowa State University Top Questions

Pick a school that has a strong reputation for the subject in which you're interested. Although you might think that you have what you want to do all figured out, be open to taking other classes because chances are you will want to change your major at least once during college. Be prepared to work hard, don't be afraid to take math classes or shy away from the "hard" classes in favor of the "easy A" classes. Remember that no one has it all figured out and just going through the experience is more important than knowing for sure where you want to end up right now.

I would tell myself that everything I thought I couldn’t do isn’t true. College is a reachable dream. It's hard but I can do it. I would also say that everything that my high school teachers said didn’t come true and the military isn’t my only choice. I would make myself start by going to the guidance counselor and make her believe I have a learning disability and that’s the reason I have done so poorly in school. After that I would tell myself that that the medical career I always wanted is in my grasps and if I believed in myself I would have achieved it already. I would mostly try and convince myself I’m not stupid and that I have grown up to be the one person everyone looks too for medical advice. College is achievable for kids that are told in high school you will never make it.

Take more AP classes and get involved in more activities. College is all about getting involved and challenging you to test your limits.

I wouldn't have let my decision to go to a certain college be based on what my friend or ex boyfriend were going. People change, so it is best to live in the dorms the first year you are at a certain college. Also, work hard in your classes the whole semester, because by the end, it is usually too late to catch up. Don't expect to get a 4.00 in college just because you got that in high school. There are going to be people smarter than you and you'll have to get used to not getting perfect scores due to more difficult material.

I would tell myself that college really is the land of opportunity. Don't be afraid to get involved, network, try something new, meet new people, study abroad, etc. The resources to do these things are at your fingertips while you are in college and everything you partake in will teach you something new. You will really grow as a person and will make the most out of your college experience if you jump in head first, take a few chances, and get involved. Also, don't forget to call Mom and Dad. You will learn just how much you appreciate and love your family when you are on your own at college.

The single most important piece of advice that I would give myself as a senior would be to make as many close contacts in your undergrad as possible. I would say that as soon as you get on the college campus begin branching out and joining clubs and groups and meeting as many people as possible. Whether they are professors and advisors or even upperclassmen and other friends your age, your college experience will be made so much easier if you have a close group of people that are there to help you throughout the semester. I can not begin to tell you how many of my classmates never once talked to our professors, and it was probably the most foolish thing that they could have done. Whether its applying for jobs or graduate school, a good reference letter from your professor is priceless, however they will not be able to write one for you if they do not get to know you personally. You only have to spend a few extra minutes with your professor before or after class and by the end of the semester they will know you, and you will be very glad that they do.

The transition from high school to college was difficult for me because of the person that I was in high school. In high school I didn’t care about school, career or life. I cared more about my friends than myself, more about looking cool than earning respect, and more about that day than the rest of my life. I would have ignored myself until I said, “I am proud of who I am”. In high school I disappointed my family, teachers, and myself. Although I still face many of the same problems I did in high school the problems seem insignificant to goals I hope to achieve in the future like becoming a doctor, making advancements toward a cure for cancer, and helping communities threw out the world in need of medical assistance. I would be shocked and inspired as I told myself about my hopes, dreams and achievement. Knowing these things I would go to college with a clear vision, amazing work ethic and unwavering courage. The transition from high school to college would have simply. On the first day of college I would be excited knowing that I would soon become the person I am today.

I would tell myself to not be afraid of studying. As a highschooler, I had a bad habit of procrastination. I found most tests to be easy, and so I never learned how to study. I knew college was going to be much more difficult, but I was so nervous because I knew I would have to study and stop putting things off. I thought it would be really difficult for me to do those things, but in reality it just comes easily. The way classes, homework, and tests are spread out, it's easier to do a little every day than to put everything off until the end. There is also a lot of study help, like supplemental instruction and online learning modules. Studying was definitely easy to pick up. So I would tell myself not to worry about it, because it's going to be fine.

I would tell myself to be more outgoing and talkative. At the beginning of the year, most people are looking for a new crew and "peeps" to hang out with since a lot of people left their buddies and "homies" back at their previous home. Getting to know more people at the beginning is a good way to make connections and networking before everyone settles down into their routine. I would also tell myself to watch out for the UDCC desserts... Those darn things can be so addicting!

Go to a college that seems the most affordable and try to go with as many friends from high school as you can. Join communities freshmen year that allow you to be constantly exposed to the same people like sports teams, fraternities, jobs, etc.