James Madison University Top Questions

Well, college will be fun but you need to balance the fun with the class work. You will need to be tolerant of other people and allow yourself to be open to new people and new experiences. You may get alittle homesick, but that is only natural. Stay focus on what is important and make the most out of every situation!!

I would tell myself to do my research a lot more thoroughly. I would visit more schools and speak to students there to find out what the campus is actually like and how it is when classes are in session. This would ensure that I would end up somewhere that fits my personality and what I like to do outside of classes. No matter how happy you are with your grades, if you are not happy with your social life as well in college, you will more than likely not have a very good experience.

If I could go back and do it again I would tell myself to be a lot less stressed and worried about making the transition. If you come to a college or university, come with an open mind and don't be scared to let people know your opinion on important topics. Be prepared to be around types of people that you have never been around before, and come prepared with the skills to communicate and negotiate with the people around you in order to make the process a lot easier to live with. College can be scary at first but remember everyone around you especially other freshman are going through the same change you are, and upperclassmen have done it before as well. People are very willing to help you if you let them. If things get too overwhelming never ever ever hesitate to ask for help!

I would have worked harder in classes so that I could have applied to better more competitive schools.

I would tell myself to take advantage of every opportunity afforded to me. There is so much in the way of sports, academics, study abroads, community service, and honor groups that are offered. I realized the full scale of what is available more so in my junior year and immediately joined those groups that best pertained to me, signed up for study abroad programs, and got involved in community service programs. By far this has made my college education and experience so well rounded and unforgettable that I would not change anything, except to have realized this my freshman year. There are chances for financial aid and with that money it makes taking advantage of these opportunities more available, as it has for me, and made me realize my future more clearly.

I would have worked harder in high school to try to get into a better school. Sometime when I work in group projects I get frustrated that some students are not as motivated, dedicated, passionate, competitive and hard working as compared to me. I find that some students don't care about their grades and GPA, so sometimes I wish I went to a move competitive school. I should have worked harder in high school so that I could have applied to better school that had competitive students.

Take the AP tests and pass them! I wish I knew how important just one course credit can be. I took AP classes in high school and didn't take the tests seriously. Now, I wish I did because I could have been saving my parents' money. Also, to practice time management at a young age. Luckily, I transitioned well from living with my parents to on my own, but for some that is not the case. No one is there to make sure you wake up for your class or tell you to eat healthy things or study enough for your class. I think many people underestimate how much you have to take on yourself. (Not to say people won't be there to support you, but it is very important to manage your time on your own for when you get out of college.)

Looking back on my high school tenure, I would have gave myself this simple advice; relax. I was so stressed out about applying for scholarships, having money to go to school, and other academic things. Knowing what I know now about college I would have also just told myself to not worry about making friends and meeting new people; at JMU friends are made by the handfulls and no matter what type of person you are, how you act, how you look, or how you dress there are people here just for you. So looking back now that I am in college the advice I would have gave myself would have been to just "go with the flow." Thank you so much for listening to my short answer essays and taking into account my opinion on my school. GO DUKES!!! Sincerely, Justin Bailey

I would say to work harder academically while still in high school. I would develop improved study skills and warn myself of impending essays and difficult exams. I would get into the habit of actually reading the book along with studying class notes. I would tell myself to attend each lecture unless I absolutely have to miss a class. I would also tell myself to be more open to diversity and differing opinions and perspectives. I would tell myself to become more independent, yet to take each positive opportunity presented to meet new people and experience life to the fullest.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior, I would advise myself to either go somewhere else to school or to get involved in more activities freshman year. I was on a sports team last year (my freshman year), and I had a great time. Then when I tried out this year, I got cut by the people who I thought were my friends. I didn't do sorority rush as a freshman, but I did it this year, and it didn't work out for me. I've applied for other organizations, and they've also turned me away. I wish I could tell myself how to deal with rejection because in high school I was on top of my game. I was captain of two sports and on the executive board of various clubs; now it's just different. I would tell myself as a high school senior to keep my head up and get what I want like I always did and not to give up. I haven't given up, but it's just been a lot harder in a school of 17,000 students to shine like I used to.