Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Top Questions

What should every freshman at Oklahoma State University-Main Campus know before they start?

Bridget

The last four years your high school work has been really easy, so you started to take college courses. Best choice that you have made, probably still to this day. You know how college classes work, you already have 12 credits. I don’t need to tell you that it is ok to write in your book or that you can justify your incorrect answers and still get credit. I could warn you not to take the anthropology class, that professor is loco! There are things more important though. My advice is, don’t be afraid to go talk to people, make friends! Do your homework and the reading, I know that its easy to put it off with all your new friends but do it, no ones there to say you need to do your homework . And while reading look at the pictures the professors get test questions from them. Things are going to be hard your sophomore year, but moms cancer goes away and so far the world hasn’t ended in 2012. The most important advice I can give you is be yourself, you will learn more about yourself then you will about schizophrenia in Abnormal Psychology.

Ashley

I would tell myself to work harder, to make more money, and to rent a cheaper apartment with more roomates. I would also tell myself that nothing is permanet and to start thinking long-term. I would also tell myself that college is not a time to goof off and sleep in. I would stress to my younger self that going to class is the best way to get an A. GPA doesn't happen on its own, you have to make the effort, get up, go to class and learn.

Melissa

I was very stressed as a senior wondering where my life was going to go and would I fit in at college. I spent so much time worrying and not enjoying my senior year. If I could go back in time and talk to myself, I would try and tell myself to relax a little and just enjoy the ride. I would tell myself everything would work out just fine and I would be happy. I hope my high school senior self would've listened, but if not, it would be ok, because everything turned out how it was supposed to!

Chandler

If I could go back in time and give myself some advice, I'm not sure I would know where to start. There are so many opportunities I wish I would've been more active in pursuing. I made the mistake of being passive in my plans for college and more importantly, I was passive in trying to earn scholarships. I did not apply for scholarships during my time in high school, and I am very regretful of that now. That is was brought me to this website. I am attempting to reconcile my high school mistakes. I now see how much difference scholarship money can make in the life of a college student. Apply yourself, and make sure you take advantage of every single possibility, no matter how large or small. That is perhaps the best piece of advice I could give myself. Thank You, Chandler Torbett

Sydney

If I went back in time I would tell myself as a high school senior to focus and to give it your all educationally. Even though with the ACT score I recieved I could have continued to take the ACT and try to get a better score, but I did not. I would tell myself to keep going for that higher score. I would also tell myself to apply for many more scholarships and to shop around for all of the options to recieve money for school. Perparing yourself for colelege is a big step in life. I would tell myself to take it slow and to not rush my time that I had left at home full time. College is a one in a life time experience and the only way to prepare your self 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} for it is to take your one special senior year and to give it your all so you can be as fully prepared as possible.

Brittney

Dear Brittney, You can do this! I know you have poor self-esteem and don't believe in yourself, but you are so capable and worth it. Life hasn't dealt you the best hand, but things are going to get better. With this 3.7 g.p.a. I possess now, that just shows how smart and capable you really are. School is mean't to be a challenge, but the hard work really does pay off and you will feel so good about yourself in the end. Life is what you make it and you are going to do great. So chin up, smile, stay strong, and enjoy all of the blessings and and accomplishments on your way. Yours truly, Your older, wiser, and successful self

Michelle

Time management is the key to college success. Don't overload yourself with 16 credit hours, 13 is just enough. Make sure to research what scholarships you are eligible for because college is not cheap. Spend time researching about your major and get a head start on preparing yourself for your college courses, nothing is better than being ahead of the game. Make sure to get familiar with your roommate. It's wierd living with someone you know nothing about, so spend time together. Get familiar with your academic advisor because he will help you with your courses and update you with university opportunities. There will be parties every weekend, but I suggest you get homework done first, study 2 hours daily for each class, and then worry about partying. It's best to do your homework ahead of time even if its due in 2 weeks. If you get it done now, you won't have to worry about it later. Join at least 2 or 3 student organizations because they are very time consuming. Last but not least enjoy the time you have experiencing new things at your university.

Brianna

Never hold on to those who have no desire to lead you into your own dreams. In high school, it's always about being the most popular, having the most friends, and being liked the most, but in college it's way different, no one cares about that kind of stuff. When making friends in high school make sure they are the ones that will help you and stick by you when you want to follow your dreams. Don't let them bring you down and if they try to, drop them. The only person in this world that you need is yourself and your dreams. Don't be afraid to follow them and take risks. It's great to have friends there to push you along and keep you stress free but if all they want to do is bring you down, that's not a true friend. Just remember, friends come and go but your success is all your own.

allison

I would tell myself to not worry so much about where I want to go and what classes to study, and instead spend that time applying for ever scholarship in sight! I would also tell myself to not be in such a hurry with life; getting married is not a good idea it only lasts for two years. Although being a mom is great, its not easy when school and work get involed too in fact sometimes it feels down right impossible.

Rebecca

If you have worked hard in high school, you may not be overwhelmingly challenged by your first college classes. However, it is very important to begin studying early, and to keep up (and even get ahead) in your classes. Classes will become more challenging, and your schedule more demanding, so the earlier you start good habits, the better. You will be presented with many options for social and extracurricular activities, but do not overbook yourself. It is important to be active and follow your interests, but do not forget that you are attending school as an investment in your future, and your academics should be your focus. As a student, going to school and working hard are your responsibilites, above all else. Keep everything in perspective, and be a critical thinker. With each decision you make, whether about partying, studying, working, or activities, think about how that decision will affect you in the long-run. Make smart choices for yourself. You do not want to let your parents, mentors, or yourself down. Use college as an opportunity to learn, grow, and (as my mentor told me) to become the best possible version of yourself.

Amanda

I would tell myself to not take the easy route. Enroll in all college bound courses that my high school has available. Make sure that you get up and come to school everyday bad habits are hard to break when no one is getting you up. I would also tell my self to take every opportunity that comes your way and run with it. I would tell my self to find as may ways and time to help others, looks great on the applications. Dorms are small, but the closeness that you develop with people on your floor and roommates will last a life time. Plan to be involved in clubs and organizations that relate to your career pathway. Stay focused and on task and you will do fine. Don't get all wrapped up in how large the school is, it a little city in it's own way. College is a challenge and you need to be ready for it.

Brianna

I would tell myself to get more involved in the community. I would tell myself to start searching for scholarships sooner and be faithful about filling them out and would make myself study night and day and realize how important the ACT was about giving you scholarship money with a higher score. I would have told myself to be kinder to my family and not get so irritated at all the advice they were trying to give me. I would have told myslef to talk with counselors more, seek them out, make them tell me stuff. I would tell myself to talk with teachers about ideas on what degrees offer in terms of jobs that you can hold. I would have told myself to take the extra hours at work because the money I saved was going to go really fast. I would tell myself to listen more and ask for more advice. And finally, I would tell myself to stop acting like a spoiled brat and show my parents appreciation on what all they have given to me over the years and look for helpful ways to show them that I do love them.

Sheila

I would tell myself that education is the most important thing you can do for yourself and to be brave, and not to be afraid of failure because it happens to everyone Most importantly, if I could go back in time and give myself advice in my senior year it would be to tell myself to not be afraid in general because transitions from one place to another happen all the time and there is no need to be scared because in the end it is all about you and what you want to do with your life and thats what college is the opportunity to create someone and something with yourself and the chance to be successful in your chosen career.

Jennifer

Be Strong.

Daniel

PUT DOWN THE BONG! Get off the grass and onto the college entrance exams, one leads to jail, the other to the penthouse. Take AP courses this year and do concurrent enrollment; even if you never use the credits, those courses will force to to get smarter--intelligence is not fixed, you can train your brain just like your biceps. Apply for scholarships, lots of people want to help you help yourself but you have to take the initiative and find them and show them that you'll put their money to good use; there are plenty of people to take a chance on, you have to prove you're one that's worth it. School should always, without exception, take precidence over work; your employer doesn't get paid to make you better, your school does. Accept the past and embrace the future; what happened, happened, past events can only hurt you as long as you hold on to them. Study more than you think you need to, knowing more than necessary is better than not knowing enought. Good grades are the portal to a better life. Rich people go to college, you should too.

Randal

The first thing I would tell myself is to fill out as many scholarship applications as possible because college is so overwhelmingly expensive. Next, would be to read the textbooks thoroughly and try to transfer that knowledge into longterm memory. Finally, I would let myself in on the knowledge that college requires you to spend time on assignments, you can no longer just go through the motions and come out successful. Oh, and enjoy your time there you'll have time to worry after college is over. PS: Bring a coffee maker!!

Keillen

I love my Nassau Community college. It is the best quality education that I have ever received. Many of the professors come from top rated schools like NYU, BU (Boston), Yale and Columbia. Surprisingly for the "13th grade" NCC offers a wonderful and hands on education. I have volunteered over 1,200 hours in my community including 70 volunteer hours from a local nursing home. I have also worked at Holliswood Care Center, a nearby nursing home, for two summers in 2006 and 2007. All throughout high school I participated in a community service organization called Key Club and now I participate in Island Harvest. Island Harvest is an organization that helps feed people living on Long Island that have fallen on hard times. I have been part of Island Harvest for 4 years and I recently got my employer, Pizza Hut, to participate in the program. We donate, on average, 80 pizzas a week. I like to be surrounded by people and it is pretty evident that I like to help people. I take the initiative and I am a hard worker; so when you’re choosing applicants for this scholarship I hope your thinking of me. Thank you.

Stephanie

I have developed time management techniques and study habits that allow me to pursue my love of science, work part-time, and still be able to participate in intramurals and other activities. I think the things I am learning and the fun I am having will give me a good start in the working world and will provide me many great memories for the rest of my life!

JaJuan

It is a great way to show me the real world and i needed this experience to get me ready for the real world and life

Kira

During my time at Oklahoma State University, I have had many opportunities to grow as an individual. There have been various opportunities to learn about different cultures, attend fine arts performances, help out in the community and be a part of leadership teams. Being part of the honors college has been very helpful and fun as well. Through being in honors, I have had the ability to live in a scholarly community that emphasizes community service, responsibility, leadership, and the importance of helping everyone in the community succeed. Classes are more interesting and encourage students to think in ways that might be very different from what they are used to, as well as generally encouraging students to work in teams to prepare them for working with colleagues in their chosen field after graduation. Attending OSU prepared me for my own career by giving me teaching and observation opportunities, as well as professional development opportunities and the chance to network with future colleagues.