Minnesota State University-Mankato Top Questions

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior the advice I would give myself is to prepare for the ultimate transition and know that college is not for everyone. I would constantly tell myself to do well and keep my grades my highest priority than join as many extra- curricular activities as possible that interest me without me being over worked. I would tell my self every once in a while that I can make mistakes but hope to change by not repeating them and tell my self no regrets. I would give myself to not hold any grudges because life is short and I don't want it filled with sorry. My biggest advice to myself would be to not lose myself in the transition to college and remember where I came from and who all has helped me on the way.

I believe that I would tell myself not to the the perception of others dictate how my college career is going to play out. I would tell myself to look past the cultural perspecitves we hold about college students and do just do what you love right away. Not to let what other people think, affect my learning. To be a bold student who is willing to take the risks and to throw myself on the line in order to succeed. I would remind myself that nobody is going to do these four or five years for me and that how I feel about myself will be one of the biggest factors in my success at the collegiate level. But most of all, I believe I would tell myself that college is what you make of it. Yes, the tests will be harder, the papers longer and the homework will take up more time. But you only have this part of your life to make it count. So just go out there with a smile and by God if you fall. Go down swinging.

I would want to address the difficulties in transition from high school to college. Studying, organizing, making friends, balancing are all issues that I faced and overcame. If given the oppurtunity to go back in time I may just wish myself good luck and remind myself of my potential because at that age I would not have been able to comprehend the transitions I was to make.

If I were allowed to go back in time to when I was a senior in high school I would take as many college credits that I could. Little did I know how much that would help me now. I wish my high school would have offered more college classes or at least encourage seniors to take them. I feel that I wasn't allowed to get out and explore what other options there were to us seniors.

The advice that I would give to myself as a senior would be: study hard, and you can do anything you want to do if you give it your your best. In High School, I never would have thought that I can acomplish a Electrical Engineering Degree and get my Master's Degree as well as further my education as a Professor at the University I went to school. This is my dream and if I would have told myself this in high school, I would have never believed in myself. Therefore, if I had to talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would say that you need to believe in yourself and you will go far. There is not one person or thing stopping you from doing what you would like to do or dream of doing. The only person that stops you is yourself. And lastly, I would leave with the remark, "Don't Give Up, Too Many People Out There Do!"

Hindsight is 20/20 in practically every situation. I normally would wish that I would have researched community colleges, instead of trying to get into the best schools in the country. If I went to a community college and graduated with an AA degree, then transferred to a 4year school, it would have been a heck of a lot cheaper. However, I didn't do that, and I'm okay with that. If I could go back to high school, I wouldn't change a thing. I would tell myself to relax though; college isn't as scary as they make it out to be. The advisors are helpful, the instructors are kind, and your classmates are going through the same thing you are. Also, do not get a job for your first semester, you need to experience the full college life before it's work, work, work. Have some fun, college is about getting to know your true self. So join a club or an intramurel; go to as many activities as you can; watch the sports games; just be involved. After college, jobs are looking for experiences not degrees, everyone has a degree now days.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself a lot. I would tell myself that I need to get on the ball and not put things off until the last minute. I would also tell myself that I should go away to school instead of staying at a community college because I would have done better.

I would tell myself to get involved in as many activities as possible to learn how to communicate and make friends easier. I would tell myself to take harder classes in high school and even some college credit courses so that I would be able to register ahead of the other freshman going into college. Work as much as I could to make as much money as possible to save for college and not spend on things I just wanted but didn't need. Learn how to do my homework and read all the textbook material while managing my time more efficiently. Become more comfortable with asking for help from my peers and teachers because in college no ones asks you if you need help, you have to ask for it. Overall, just take school and learning more seriously and take advantage of as many oppotunities as possible because once you're in college you're on your own so you better be ready.

The advice I would give myself as when i was high senior all over again is that to be committed academically on all my classes since college its deciding on my future that i want to do for the rest of my life.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have a lot to say. I would tell myself to relax and take a deep breathe. I was really nervous and didn't know what to expect as I went off to college. I would also tell myself to be more careful with my money. I would make a chart of my future expenses and work harder to save. Money is a very stressful thing for me and this scholarship would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time.

College is not as hard as you think it is going to be.

I would have definitely planned more for college in many different ways. I had a job as sophomore all thru high school and I wish now I would have saved money better. I should be a sophomore in college now but have been working hard trying to get money to live near my college or to even have food for things such as groceries. I also would have given myself the advice to try and get scholarships or loans. I truly wish I were in college now. It is my goal to get my degree and make not only myself but my family proud.

Never take good friends for granted. Don't get into a serious relationship while in college, it takes up too much time and energy and takes away from your social life. You can have a fun social life and make friends without drinking Thursday through Saturday nights. Believe in yourself, and never stop.

I would have told myself to be more open-minded with my decisions. Since I was 12, I wanted out of Minnesota and close to my dad in North Carolina. No matter what school I was accepted to, I was moving to N.C. I did not apply to any colleges in Minnesota, and that was a big mistake. I limited myself to 3 colleges. I was rejected from UNC and Wake Forest, so I resolved to attending AppState. If I would have researched the golf program at AppState a little more, I would have known that it was not the right place for me to be. With more research and open-mindedness, I would have figured out that even though I always thought I was meant to be in N.C., it was not the right fit for me after all. After a year of being away from all that I know and love (including my love for the game of golf), I made my own decision to attend MSU-Mankato. This environment has proven to be the best place for me to develop academically, athletically, and socially. To be truly happy, make your own, informed decisions.

Follow your heart, you only live once! Know what you're good at and pursue a career in it! Don't do something just because your parents want you to. Also, balance between school, friends, and activities is key in being successfull.

I would say that if you think you are interested in a certain college then you need to go and visit. See what the college has to offer. If you are deciding between two colleges go with your gut, you will make the right choice

Don't let your parents decide for you, the only thing that will make you happy is if you decide for yourself.

Advice for students about making the most of their college experience: Don't be afraid to be yourself or take risks. College can be fiercely intimidating the first two semesters, so make sure you have a solid support group when you're feeling overwhelmed. Also, do not forget about your friends back at home. Everyone wants to meet new people but you can't just abandon your old friends. They might need you in their life more than you think.

Go to a lot of schools and check them out and to see which ones are right for you, and look at what you will get out of thoes schools and if you can see you going to class and making new friends and having a good time then that is the school you should go to. Just think about what you want to get from that school and if that school fits your wants then that is the school for you, do not go to a school because your friends are going to that school or your lover is going to that school so should go to or even if you parents want you to go to that school, do not do want you feel is right and go with what is in your heart it is about what you want, and thoes people do not have to be there for 10months and be in the class so,. Like I said it is all about you, remeber college is wear you start taking your steps in to the real world.

When looking for a college choose one that you feel comfortable with. Make sure you are as close or as far as you want to be from your parents or family. Join as many clubs or activities as you feel comfortable with. Choose classes that interest you, especially with any early morning classes you may have, because trust me if you have an early class that you hate you will never end up going and you might end up not getting the grade you want in the class. Prepare for any surprises that might take place. Try not to overwhelm yourself by taking on too many tasks or activities at once. Plan ahead and study often.