Iowa State University Top Questions

Since I ended up choosing engineering at Iowa State University, I would tell my high school self to not waste time with hard college classes provided through the high school not related to your future major. This is in reference to a statistics class and accounting class. They do not qualify as credits toward your engineering major. Also, focus intensely on the PSAT and get a national merit scholarship. That would help alot. Another thing I would tell myself is to return college books once you find out that you won't be using them the whole year.

The advice I would give myself is to ask questions when unclear on the situation or assignment. In college, if you don’t ask for clarification, the instructor assumes everybody understands the material, and a student could easily fall behind. The second thing I would tell myself would be to not procrastinate, and to practice good study habits. Something always tends to happen at the last minute; whether it is the printer doesn’t work or you lost some of the information. It’s best to start the assignment when it’s introduced and work on it for half hour a day until it’s complete, but never start the night before it’s due. The assignments are a lot more complex in college than they are in high school and they’re also worth a bigger percentage. One thing you don’t want is to have your grade to reflect on careless assignments. I’d also advice myself to attend class on a regular basis and to be on time. The classroom setting is like a work place and you don’t want bad habits to reflect on you because it could jeopardize your reputation at a potential job.

Make connections with peers and professors. Connections with peers will provide the social advantage, while connections with professors will help with networking for professional development. Take as many opportunities to be involved as possible. You will meet great people and learn great skills by doing this. Even though college is a fun lifestyle, also be responsible in your choices because those choices will be reflected in your future career prospects. Take advantage of the great opportunities that are afforded to you!

I would give myself the advice that college is not all about studying. Yes, college is quite a large step up from high school and you do have to study a lot more and do a lot more homework. Heck, I spent on average thirty hours on homework a week during the spring semester. However, once you get into a rhythm, it is fairly easy to get started on the homework, researching and studying. I would recommend to leave the dorm room more often and visit people who live down the hall from you. College became a lot more enjoyable after I realized that the people living with me were cool and fun. There is a time and place for studying, just like there's a time and a place for procrastinating.

I would warn myself of the rising percentage increase in the cost of education each year. With that in mind, I would encourage my then self to take college classes during my senior year, summer classes each summer, work as much as I can on the side, and not get loose with my education standards. I would also emphasize some advice that my father gave to me years ago about friends. Some friends help you, some people hurt you, and some people do nothing for you. As much as I may like some people in the latter groups, the former is the group I need to focus on maintaining connections with. Another important tip I would give myself would be to create budgets as early as possible to keep track of my finances, as well as creating a spreadsheet to track my grades throughout each class every semester. Then I would give myself a box Mike & Ikes and wish myself goodluck with life.

If I were able to go back to better prepare myself for the transition from high school to college, I would have liked to known more about the course load and academic preparations. High school teachers tell you college professors will be harder on you and demand more, but the truth is you have to demand more of yourself. Professors give you the information, test dates, and recommended assignments to do as homework or study tools, you just need to put for 210{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} effort to do more than just succeed, you want to excel. You need to ask for help; asking for help is never considered a bad. If you do not understand or if you do not know what to do, ask for help from professors, tutors, students/friends, family, advisors, TAs, or anyone. Asking for help is not something to be ashamed of and many people are there specifically to help. Even though you were able to juggle a job, extra curriculars, school work, friends, and family in high school does not mean you should intentionally overload yourself your first semester at a new place, start with 12 credits, one job, and few extra curriculars then work up.

I would give myself a lot of new advice. I would tell myself to study and read all of the textbook assignments for class. Keep up with the homework and make sure all of the due dates are correct. Always ask your professors questions and use their office hours. They are here to help you!! Take classes with some of your friends so that you can have someone to help you study when you need it! Speak up and go out and meet new people, you will enjoy having a variety of friends from all different backgrounds! Be open to trying new things and have an open mind, you never know what could happen! Get involved with clubs and groupw on campus in order to meet new people! It's always fun to meet people who enjoy the same things as you do! Take advantage of the universities activities and programs that are offered, like free tutoring. Use it to your advantage! But most of all, have fun!

I would tell myself that Iowa State University is the absolute best choice and going there will change your life. I would tell myself to go to the library a little more and attend a few less social events. Being outgoing is a very important thing to be able to meet new people and make great freinds. I would tell myself to get a job right away even just a few hours of working a week to help out with college expenses so that I wouldn't have to take out as many loans as I currently have.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition I would have a lot of advice for myself. I would say that it’s ok to be nervous but just remember all of the other freshmen are in the same position you are. Not only are the other freshmen going through the same thing that you are but everyone at college also had to go through that at some point so they’re going to be really understanding and willing to help if you need it. Also remember not to get carried away with the temptations that college has to offer, there are going to be many new and unfamiliar experience that you could go through but just make sure to choose wisely on which experience you would want. All in all college is a great time of life, maybe even the best so just have fun and study hard, don’t leave all your homework and studying till the last minute and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Be outgoing, make friends, and enjoy your college years.

Make sure you have a reliable form of transportation at your disposal. Not just the city buses, but something that is yours and can take you farther than you can pedal, whenever you feel like it. Also, make sure you have a good kitchen. Lack of variety in food is surprisingly depressing. Try to get to know your teachers, visit their office hours, even if you don't think you have something you need to ask them. Especially for the 'hard' classes. Use your advisor, talk to him/her more than the required meetings. That's what they're there for.