Northern Illinois University Top Questions

The advice I would give my high school self about college is that, this will not be a walk in the park. I must remain focused on my studies and don't think I'm just going to breeze through this. College life isn't easy although it seems like it but you have no one to make sure you get up and go to class or telling you what to do. You have to make your own decisions and make sure they are smart ones. Remember everything mom has taught and use it.

Have patients, right now your thinking of attending a four year university with no understanding on how you will afford it. Take your time and start small there will come a time where you can afford to attend one, but for now you should wieght your option. You should focus more on what college will suit you best at this time so you can get a fill on what to expect when you do decide your ready to transfer to a 4 year university. Seek finacal help, and please look into scholarship early. There's something out there for everyone, but you have to work hard at it. Don't get stuck thinking its easy, it's harder then what you think. Academically and finacally.

I would tell myself to start putting money aside for school, and get ready to start studying more.

If I could go back to my senior year I would tell myself to learn about the online part of school better. I would also tell myself to talk to an acedimic counselor at the beginning of each school year. I would also tell myself to take classes during the summer even if it is only one class. I would tell myself to live in an apartment verses the dorms because its less expensive. I would also tell myself to get involved earlier. Finally I would tell myself not to get too distracted with all the activities and partying. Most of all to not study in or around my bed, and to not work on the same days I have classes.

I would tell myself to dedicate more time and effort towards my studies, because a GPA is so important in life. I would tell myself not to goof off and not complete assignments or blow off tests because once you get a low grade on a test, you can not make it up. I would tell myself to join organizations and get involved because being involved on campus helps you to meet great people and learn new things you never knew about the world. And most importantly, I would tell myself to never let anyone take away your dreams!

I would definitely have encouraged myself to join the military, which I did anyway. The money I get through federal and state veterans benefits have been invaluable when it comes to paying for college. The time I spent living away from my parents in the service would prepare me to live away from them in college. Apply for scholarships and fill out a fafsa, with both college is paid for. I would have money left over for rent on a room and money for other expenses, including savings. Join clubs that go with your major, and create a profile on Linkedin.com. It's never too early to start networking. Do an internship and study abroad. Experience will help when writing a resume.

I think that I would have tried to do more social activities. When I first began college, I did not participate in many of these activities because I did not know anyone. Once I got more comfortable and joined a few groups, I then made friends very quickly. I was disappointed that I had not done this earlier because I feel that it affected my college experience for that first semester or so.

My high school senior self wanted to go to Northern Illinois University from the beginning. Unfortunately due to my financial situation I had to attend a community college where I received my associates degree. Once I started attending NIU I found myself in a completely different world where I have grown as a person. I would tell my high school senior self to at least try to attend NIU earlier than what I did.

If I could go back I would have focused more on my study habits and went to ACU as a walk-on to play softball. I chose not to go because they could not give me a scholarship until the following year because the coach had already given hers out to returning players. I would have played softball throughout college and would be well into a career instead of starting later and graduating college at 30 years old. It is true what they say If you don't keep going to school it becomes harder and harder to return and finish. All in all I have no regrets because I have two beautiful children that provide me the drive to become everything they need me to be.

Talk to people that were recently in college about transfer classes and how to handle taking the correct classes first.

I would tell myself that my first semester is the most detrimental, it is hard work to raise your GPA after a hard first semester. I'd remind myself that sacrificing a night out with friends to get a high grade on an exam or paper is definately worth it in the long run because there will be plenty of other times to have fun. I feel that I would remind myself that being the open minded person I am will benefit me because my friendships will have a huge variety of diversity and that only makes you a more wise person. Volunteer work would help me find the career path I decide to follow. Finally, realize that even though your original roomate didn't attend NIU your new one will only open your eyes to a different culture and make you a more open person to others opinions.

Although I went to a large high school, I would tell myself not to be intimidated by the largeness of my university. Although most of my classes are large, I should never hide and instead let my opinions be heard. I would also tell myself that it is okay to ask questions, rather than be confused.

have more options, when it comes to schools and financial aid. make ur decisions based on your own personal needs and not to make your parents, friends, or significant other happy

Study hard for every class it will always pay off and enjoy the time while you can since it will go faster then you know it.

Tom, take this next year seriously. The school you choose will determine where you end up as an adult. You will make friends for life and learn things you will never forget.

I would inform myself to start college with an open mind and that the sky is the limit. I would let myself know that it is okay to open up to the idea of campus activities and get involved with organizations that I believe is interesting. I would balance my activities better and not get carried away with too much parting my freshman year. If i could travel back in time I would not allow myself to go so far from home to begin with I would have started my college career at Northern Illinois University instead of transfering my junior year. I would tell myself that I will mess up and make mistakes but it is okay as long as I remeber that I am a child of God and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Take your freshman year of college very serious. It is a new chapter in your life, but it is also a very important chapter. Be soical, but go to class and get your work done. Always remember you are capable to doing anything and everything. Believe in yourself and you will do great.

I think I will just focus on my grades because the academic world is what I excel at. Boy, was I wrong. I agree that education is the reason why we are in college. However, being involved on campus stretches the limitations to the sky and makes the possibilities endless. I am not saying to desert your grades but to find a balance. It is a good rule of thumb to follow for every hour in class, a student should spend two hours studying. Also, try to study inbetween classes rather than sleeping or just staring off into space. This way the studying is already done and you will have a lot more time on the weekends to do things that you will never forget nor regret. Enjoy your time on campus. The professors are not out to get you. They want you to succeed just as much as you do. and you will get the same amount of respect as you show. If you are having trouble, get help right away instead of stressing about it last minute. The campus has an impressive amount of resources for help on any subject matter - whether it is academic or social.

I would make sure that I really knew what I was getting myself into. I would apply to more schools and go to more open houses and tours. I would do more research on Universities and try to get involved more.

I know you're feeling very hesitant about the whole community college thing, but don't. I've been through it, and trust me, it is the best decision you can possibly make right now. If you go anywhere else, you'll be spending too much money and pushing yourself too hard for a goal you haven't even determined yet. By the same token, don't rush community college either. Just because you've got enough AP credit to get your Associate's Degree in half the time, don't assume you have to. Spend a whole two years there. It'll give you time to really figure things out, and trust me, some really good things'll happen that second year. But that's venturing into "no one should know too much about thier own destiny" type stuff, so just remember: there's no shame in going to a community college, and whatever you do, take your time with it. Otherwise, you're going to miss the point.