Ohio State University-Main Campus Top Questions

I could advise myself like others have advised me- to take a range of classes, talk with my counselor, and major in a degree that makes me happy. But how cliché? If I had the chance to myself advice on the college transition, I would advise myself LIVE. In order to live one must LEARN. Learn how to interact, breath, speech, walk, and eat. Part of the college experience is also learning. Not just in the studies but learn who you are, what you like and what you don’t like. College is the foundation of life, so learn a little while you are there. INTERACTION is another part of living life. As a transforming student, I would advise myself to interact: with other students, with professors, with different cultures, and with different values. When you go to college, VARY yourself as a person. Add variety to your life and sprinkle in diversity. The last part, but not least important, EDUCATION. Don’t forget the reason you are attending college is to hit the books. It’s hard not to drown in studies but one of my favorite question is, “Are you living or are you existing?”

I would tell myself to prepare for hard work. I was always the person who got good grades with seemingly no effort, but this has truly changed in college. If I could go back I would teach myself how to properly study for classes, so that I would not have had to learn how to do that this year. I would also tell myself that the people you meet in college are better than anyone you've met thus far. The college atmosphere has a way of transforming people to become the best that they can be. Everyone is more open and willing to do what they want to achieve true happiness. There is so much less pressure to fit in and more opportunity to define who you truly are.

If I had the opportunity to give myself advice about college when I was a high school senior, I would tell myself to go to a college that I knew I would love, and not to go somewhere just because it "made more sense." Picking a college is about more than just picking where to get an education, it's deciding where to live for the next four years of your life, and its deciding, for the rest of your life, where you want to be able to call "my alma mater." The next piece of advice I would give myself is to pick a major that lets me follow my dream and not to pick something that I'll be able to do well. Doing something well doesn't mean that I'll enjoy doing it. The final piece of advice that I would give myself would be to join a student organization so that I could get to know more people and make the most of my college experience.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would have plenty of college-related advice to give myself. I would begin by telling myself to practice my time management skills during my senior year, because they don't let you test the water when you get to college--they push you into the deep end and assume that you can swim. I would also make sure to emphasize the importance of meeting as many people as possible during the first few weeks at Ohio State. I met plenty of great people during my first semester, but I feel like I could have been even more outgoing during the chaotic nights of Autumn and perhaps I could have met some more friends. Lastly, I would warn myself not to leave my key in the room when I go to take a shower. It's a major hassle to have to walk to the front desk in a towel, and I've done it way too many times. Those are the three things that I believe would be most important to tell my high school self before transitioning to college.

It's ok to be afraid of a bigger school. It's ok to be afraid of new things. Just don't give up and don't miss the few chances that life could give you to succeed. This can only make you a better person. You are very good in art. I know that it's scary being judged and afraid to fail, but you have to try. Don't wait two years to find that courage inside of you. In college you will take studying more serious because you are working towards your future. It will help you mature and make decisions on your own. it will help you become more independent and do things you thought you could never do. Yes it can be expensive sometimes, but that won't stop you. You will find help one way or another even if rejection scares you, it only makes you stronger. Stay strong and work hard, it will all pay off in the end.

If I were to go back into time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself many things. The most important thing I would ask myself is what do I enjoy doing most? When deciding a major, one has to be careful what they choose. Being between three majors can easily dissuade someone from choosing what they would love to do in life. Having a mindset, or at least having a good idea of what someone wants to do can make a significant difference in how they approach school. I would also tell myself to keep learning and not to blow off work just because I'm graduating high school. I would try and motivate myself to work hard to go into college strong. And the final thing I would tell myself is once I move into the dorms, to go around the dorm and make friends right away rather than waiting a couple weeks to talk to people. Making friends first thing helps build relationships that can benefit both people because each can help each other with work and form study groups.

Going back in time and talking to myself as a high school senior, my best advice would be to focus on school and nothing but school. I would definitely advice myself to enroll in early college as that's the greatest opportunity in pursuing a college degree at a young age. Also, I would advise myself to start saving as soon as I got my first paycheck, time value of money; I did not know about that. For me growing up I really missed out on having a person in my life that would give me such golden pieces of advice. Finally, I would tell myself that things happen for a reason and I should not focus on the negative effects. However, I should use these experiences to move forward and make the best out of them. It's not a bad thing to fail but the worse is to not even try, so I would advise myself that's not the end of the world just keep trying.

I would tell my self to let no one or anything discourage you from accomplishing your goals. Even if you think that you are failing never give up because it will pay off in the end. Don't get caught up with the social life because it will only distract you from your ultimate goal. Always stay ahead in your classes because there will be times where unfortunate circumstances arise, which put you even futher behind. Always take adavantage of any tutoring opportunities that come your way. Never be ashamed to ask questions, because more than likely there will be many other people wanting to know the answer as well. Never put off things to the last minute because it will cause you not to put forward your best effort. Lastly, I would tell myself that this is nowhere near the same as high school. Everyone here is just as smart as you are and are just as determined as you are. Professors will not allow late work as teachers did in high school and they will not treat you as if you are not capable. You are responsible for your self and will suffer if you slack off.

Going back in time to high school I would tell myself to be more adventurous throughout college. Some of the greatest memories and decisions I have made at school have had been from taking risks. One of my greatest decisions was to try out for the Club Ultimate Frisbee team. This is where I made a family for myself at school. My team is one of the most important parts of my life, and I love being involved in such a fun club that keeps me active, outdoors, and laughing. Another recent risk I took was to participate in a Habitat for Humanity trip over winter break. I got in a 12 passenger van at four a.m. planning to drive 16 hours down to Mississippi—and wow was it worth the drive. Over the course of the week I experienced culture-shocked in my own country! I had never been to the South and Mississippi was the Deep South. A slow, twangy people with sweet tea and big hearts, I found myself enjoying every encounter I made on the trip. Helping to build and fix houses was the icing on top.

I would tell myself to do a lot more research regarding: majors, financial aid, scholarships,, and most imporantly student loans and credit cards. I was irresponsbile and ignorant about the money I borrowed. I wish I could go back in time and tell myself these things because I know I would do things a lot differently. I also would tell myself to not go to a school just because all of my friends were going there. But most importantly, to find an equal balance of social life and school. It is so easy to get caught up in being social that you forger about school and slack off. It's a cliche, but I wish I knew then what I know now.

If I could go back and give my senior self advice, I would tell myself to not worry about the distance. Even though my home is hours away, the community is so great that it feels like home. I would tell myself to not worry about the size of campus. Once you get to know the buildings they become extensions of yourself. I would also tell senior me not to worry about making friends. The people you meet in college are some of the most amazing people you will ever meet and although some relationships might not work out, still embrace the time you have with those people.

You can't expect everything to just naturally fall into place. In high school, you could just "float by"; you had automatic friends, easily obtained grades, and instant relationships with teachers. In college, you actually have to work for everything. The people at college haven't known you since you were born; they don't know anything about you at all. They don't know that you are only sometimes quiet, or sometimes wisecracking, or sometimes lazy. They're going to go by first impressions, so you have to make them count. You have to actually go and show everyone what you're about, or you're just going to be a nameless face in a sea of nearly identical faces.

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself alot. College is alot more difficult that I had anticipated. I would say to myself to always ask for help because the professors are always more than willing to help you if you simply ask. I would tell myself to learn better studying habits and not to procrastinate, two things that I don't do very well that could definitely use improvement. Finally, I would tell myself to have a good time and get involved and meet as many new people as possible because that's the college experience and you should enjoy every second of it.

If I could go back and talk to myself in high school, I would tell myself to not to worry about trying to figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life, that's what college is for. I would remind myself to take classes that sound interesting to me and decide a major from there. Also, I would say to just be myself. The campus is a huge place and there are plenty of people for me to make friends with. I would also want to say to get out there, do what makes you happy, don't let anything hold you back, these are the best years of your life, enjoy them!

Some advice I’d give students when choosing where to go to college, “First, follow your heart, but there are still some other factors you should acknowledge.”Talk to your parents, think distance from home, and check out the swimming poolGo to a class or two, taste some food, and imagine yourself at the school.Do you want a small school, big school, prominent Greek life or no? Are sports teams important? Or would you prefer a place where people discuss Vincent Van Gogh?However you answer these questions, I’d hint that Ohio State has everythingFrom science experts to sports fanatics to poetry connoisseurs, you’ll be able to spread your wings.Be a dreamer, optimistic, and excited tooBut be realistic, open-minded and don’t go for that school that wears blue!

I would have told myself to just go for it! Move to that big city and the big college and love every minute of it because it's something that you can only do once. I would have told myself to make sure you stay on top of your classes and talk to the professor as much as you can. Plan study groups and go to all the events. I would have said, stop being so shy and meet new people, try new things and meet all of your goals that you MUST set for yourself before starting college. It's a huge change, so don't be scared, embrace it, love it and always remember the good moments.

Going off to college was a bit scary and often I would worry endlessly about exams, assignments, what classes I needed to take, etc. I would tell myself to enjoy college life more--go out more with friends, and experience the city surrounding the campus. I would also advise joining groups or taking classes that I thought I would not have an interest in. Often, my favorite elective courses were those that I did not expect to like but ended up really enjoying. I would also highly encourage studying abroad. While I did do this during undergrad and had a wonderful experience, I wish I would have studied abroad at least one more time. It was an eye-opener to live in another country and experience a different culture. It taught me a lot about myself and most importantly, who I wanted to become once I returned to the United States and what type of career would best serve my interests. Finally, I would tell myself that everything was going to work out in the end and that going to college was the best decision of my life.

Dear High School Self, I know you’re scared about going to a school that’s 15 hours away from home; you don't know a single soul at Ohio State. If you’re worried about making new friends, here’s my advice: take the initiative and start a conversation with a stranger. Sure, some conversations will be awkward but you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to make friends that way! When it comes to academics, I have crucial advice: do not procrastinate, do your homework, take exams very seriously, do not procrastinate, study in places with no distractions, oh and DO NOT PROCRASTINATE! You may be used to getting all A’s and B’s in high school, but in college, it’s much harder to achieve those grades than you think. So learn how to say no to your friends who always want to go out and make sure to hit the books. Remember: education comes first. You’ll always have time for friends later. College is where you make mistakes, make memories, and where you make your dreams come to life. It'll be a long journey, but it’s the destination that counts.

College is a microcosm. This phrase captures very well what post-secondary education is all about. A student’s college life is sprinkled with bits of everything – from grades and classes, to friends and parties, to junk food and working out. It is a mini world which gives us experience we would not be able to gain elsewhere, and builds our characters and personalities, preparing us for the rest of our lives. My advice to you, a high school senior, is to keep an open mind. Be willing to try new things; join that skydiving club of which you have heard so much, take that “How to Raise a Revolution” class that every upperclassman raves about, try your hand at that dining hall chef job. The list does not stop. Be open to people of different cultures and, and give that mango chutney a try! College is the one time in life when you have the chance to truly expand your horizons and get a little taste of all that the world has to offer. Do not let it slip by. Study hard, balance your life, and college will remain in your memory as “the best years of your life!”

College Admissions officers see that you have been involved and see how hard you have worked. They appreciate the dedication you have shown and effort put forth in your academics, community involvement, leadership positions and extra curricular activities. You have truly presented yourself as a well rounded applicant. Remember, sometimes less is more. It's not necessary to over-involve yourself; universities appreciate consistency and quality over quantity. The stress associated with participating in every opportunity presented is not worth it. Finally, relax and have faith that you will be successful.