Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus Top Questions

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

Kyle

That its something you have to work at and keep working on dont let your grades fall because it is terribly hard to play ketchup.You may have work and like to go have fun but you have to organize everything to where it will not effect anything else with getting that done. Yes problems or situation may occur but you have to learn to either work around them or work your way through them. For example getting a 4 page essay due in 2 days but you may have to work 12 hr shifts the next tonights? So you just have Buckle down and keep your head turned the right way..

Naveeta

If I were to go back in time and advise my senior self, I will tell myself to make a suitable skill to studying. It took me until my junior year to realized the best way to study. When I first started college, I did not have to study so much for my general courses. Since I am in my major courses, I brought in my freshmen and sophmore years studying skills. I learned the hard way that the way that I use to study is not the way I should be studying and is definitely not the way I should be studying if I want to survive in medical school. Better late than never, I am glad that I recognized my bad studying habits and changed it for the future of my education.

Caryn

If I was given the opportunity to go back in time and give myself a piece of advise that would help my in college, it would be to not take my family for granted. My younger brother is only two years younger than me, we are practically the same age, and I have maybe spoken 1,000 words to him over the past year. Before I did not relize how close we could have been if only we spent more time with each other or talk a little more. I feel like I never really got a chance to know my brohter Now it is to late to have the kind of relationship that we could have had. Over the next few summers I will be spending my time working, and so will he. Then he will got away to college, somewhere other than Penn State, so we probally will not communicate much. Throughout high school we were never close to each other but if I could go back in time I would tell myself to form a better relationship with my brother so that when we are older will keep in touch and have stories to tell our kids.

Keaira

Dear Keaira, Although you may think you do not know me, you will soon discover by the end of this letter that you know me a more than you thought. As a senior in high school, you will make some of the best memories of your life, but remember to maintain your high academic standards and work harder than you ever have. Every grade you receive can determine the rest of your life. I know you have dreams of becoming a doctor and attending one of the world's finest colleges and medical schools, but you will soon come to realize that those things may not always be what is best for you specifically. Do what you love and what makes you happy, and most importantly, always do your best, because that's the best you can do. In college, there is constant temptation to drink, party, have sex, and to skip class, but remember how you were raised. Stay true to yourself and to God. Do not become influenced by others, for you can study now and reap the benefits later when your a successful adult making a change in the world. Yours Truly, Keaira (Penn State '13)

Megan

There are so many things that I would say to myself as a high school senior if I could go back in time. First of all, I would congradulate myself on picking an amazing college. I would then remind myself that even though I was anxious for college and to begin the next chapter of life, I should take advantage of the time in high school that I have left. High school was an amazing experience for me. The activities I participated in there and the friends I made in the process made me a more confident, outgoing person who is open to all opportunities that life brings. This has served me well in college as a freshman and I am thankful for having such blessings. I also would tell myself not to stress out as much about college. I would explain about how quickly I would bond with my roommate and other girls on my floor, and how my freshman year at college would be one of the best times in my life. I would encourage myself to be open and accepting to all things. If this to myself as a senior would make my freshman year even better!

J.

If I could go back, I would tell myself to perhaps not fall in love with a school until I saw the price tag. I'm currently in quite a financial trench, and I can't convince myself to leave Penn State because I fell in love with it. The academics are fun and exciting, the people are everything I'd hoped they'd be, and the activites never leave you bored or lonely. I just wish I could have fallen in love with a more affordable school; maybe then I wouldn't be in this predicament.

Brandon

Dear Self, First, buy How to Become a Straight-A Student by Cal Newport from cover-to-cover and treat it as the word of God. Hate to say this, but you?re not mature enough to go away to college. Competition is fierce and you will be eaten alive. Withdraw from film school ; it?s a great aspiration but you?re no Steven Spielberg. Save money by attending community college for two years. Connect with yourself and excel in class. For the love of God, TAKE SCIENCE COURSES. These will make you a well-rounded student with more opportunities. After two years, transfer to a 4-year college (your perfect match is Penn State). Pursue journalism with lustrous zeal and join the college newspaper. Rise to the top, embracing your experience along the way. These are the best years of your life. Good grades will come, and opportunity will follow. Intern during your junior and senior year and apply to graduate school. May I suggest pursuing a doctorate of physical therapy? This will put you where I am now-except three years earlier. And dump Caitie after your freshman year-she didn?t love you anyway. Sincerely, Self+7

Lauren

If I could give myself a single piece of advice about what to expect during my transition into college it can be summed into two words: be flexible. Many unexpected issues come up in the first semester which range in all levels of seriousness. Whether you're dealing with a roomate who listens to techno music constantly or realizing that your life-plan to be a nuclear engineer are no longer right for you, you need to be flexible. Force yourself to realize that your life isn't in your control and problems need to be handled constructively. Realize that your dream from eighth grade may not be the perfect fit for you. But that's okay, because no matter what university you're currently at, there are numerous possibilities to find the perfect program for you.

jasmine

If i could travel back in time to when I was a high school senior I would advise myself to put more effort into taking the time out to actually understand the concepts of materials instead of just doing the bare minimum in order to get by. In high school i only put forth the minimum requirement and never pushed myself to go the extra mile. While that might have worked for me back then, I quickly learned that it would not get me by in college. Although I was able to adapt to the necessary changes I had to make, I wish I would have already possessed this knowledge, giving myself a hands up. Also, I would advise myself to establish better studying and note taking habits. While I may get good grades, my studying habits are the worse. I would rather work on having an understanding of the material instead of trying to memorize it.

Leah

I would tell myself to work harder and put more effort into my senior year of high school because really, it might have made my transition to college a little easier. "Senioritis" is one of the worst diseases that a high schooler can catch because it decreases motivation and causes them to miss out on some valuable knowledge that the lack thereof will inevitably come back to haunt them. That one day in chemistry when you fall asleep just so happens to be one of the topics on the first chemistry exam of your first semester, and suddenly, you're off to a bad start. College is all about new experiences and making new friends, joining new clubs and exploring new places, but the bottom line is that one is there to learn, work hard, and earn a degree, not expect one to be handed to them. There is no substitute for hard work and dedication.

Holly

Going back to my high school self, I would simply tell me not to worry so much. College is a major stepping stone on the path through life but it's not all that different from high school or much scarier then transitioning from elementary to middle school or middle school to high school. Most of the people are the same and very relatable since in your first year you're mostly around other freshmen. Going into college, I was afraid I wouldn't be able to handle the work load or feel comfortable in a dorm. However, now I really enjoy the independence of having my own place and I feel that all the Advanced Placement classes I took in high school really prepared me for the college workload - some of it is even easier then what I had to do in high school. I think, like most high school seniors, I worried too much about the simple transition that I didn't realize I've done a few times in the past. College is something to be conscientious of, but it's not the scary monster we fear hiding under our beds.

Ashley

I was terrified as a senior. Soon, I?d be at college, alone, with new responsibilities with new sure-to-eat-me upperclassmen and professors. Looking back, I think I?d be able to alleviate that fear, if I could offer my younger self some advice. First of all (I would tell myself), take a deep breath. It's a big change, but you won't die. Yes, there are lots of new people, but that also means there are more people just like you! You can find a new group of friends, ones just as quirky and amazing as you, in clubs or youth groups or sororities. No one will eat you, I promise; you?re too tough for them. And new responsibilities? Sure, classes are tougher, but you did well enough in high school to get yourself accepted! Keep trying your best, and your professors will see, understand, and appreciate your efforts. If you?ve any doubt, sit in the front row of the class?trust me, it helps. See? College isn?t so bad. You can take my word for it, but you?ll soon find out for yourself. Good luck!

Amber

Much time lies ahead in my college career, but I have learned so much already through my college experiences. As I look back to high school, I had a successful academic transcript and participated in countless activities, but there are some things I wish I had been more prepared for. College life is all about independence; you are responsible for your choices, no one is telling you what you can and cannot do anymore. Hence, time management will be a big challenge. Learn how to set up an efficient schedule in which you can get ahead in all coursework, yet still participate in the social activities that fit your interests. Also, I realize it is essential to keep an open mind. With so many new people around, you need to find and develop relationships again. Friends have a large influence and impact on your personality and academic career; you need to be able to stay focused. In addition, I encourage you to take part in as many activities as possible. Not only will they build your resume and prepare you for the future but also allow you to meet new people and experience new challenges. Finally, never ever give up!

Shane

I would ensure that I was ready to take college classes. I came in here thinking it would be like high school and I wouldnt have to study. That wasnt the case at all. You need to devote ample amount of time to your studying, because if you dont you'll fall behind as quick as you got started. Also, I would just make sure you are open to other cultures, races, and just being around other people. My biggest fear was coming here and not fitting in, and now that I'm here and have experienced everything; you dont have to act like that, because there are thousands of other students in the same position.

Derrick

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to research my college choices more thoroughly. For example, I would tell myself to find out if there were any interesting clubs or organizations I could be a part of during my time at Penn State. Also, I would tell myself to utilize online textbook sites such as www.half.com or www.amazon.com. By using these sites just days ago this semester, I saved nearly three hundred dollars on textbooks. That amount of money can go a very long way in a college environment like University Park. One more piece of advice I would give myself is to go out of my comfort zone to meet new friends. I wish that I stuck my neck out more than I did during my first semester here. Penn State has so much potential to provide great new friends, but I discovered that I had to take the initiative of introducing myself. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, those are a few pieces of advice I would mention.

Patrick

If I could go back in time and speak with myself, my first piece of advice would be to stay focused. In college, especially ones as large as Pennsylvania State University, it's easy to get side tracked with parties and social life, rather than what is truely important, your education. The conversation wouldn't be all serious though. I would tell myself secondly " Don't rush, take your time, and do your best." Parents have said it over and over again as you grow from a teenager to a young adult to an adult. Try your hardest in any class you have no matter how hard the class is or how much you struggle to grasp the matierial. Third, I would tell myself to get tutoring if needed. College is a huge stress on students especially when trying to learn matierial for six different subjects and expected to keep your grades above average. Get help if you need it especially if it's free. Lastely, I would tell myself to set goals. Short term and lorn term goals are great motivators to do your best, work hard, and succeed. Success is rewarding and boosts your self esteem.

Domonique

Staying in your room almost everyday can limit your interactions. Facebook does not count as social interaction as much as face to face conversation. Go to the involvement fair to find clubs and volunteer activities. Don't be afraid to try out new things such as belly dancing and archery. As for your classes, look around for more interesting classes such as Greek and Roman Literature, Plants, People, & Places, Asian American History, and Medieval Civilization. It is very important to fulfill your general education requirements, but have fun doing so. Don't forget to ask about classes outside of your major to be counted for your major requirements. Pick some minors you like. Please get a planner and use it to the max!! Write down assignments, due dates, club meetings, daily list, etc. It will help you so much so that there's not too much post-its around your desk. Study harder as well. Force yourself to sit down, put on your ipod, and study for at least four hours. If you don't understand the material, GO GET HELP!!! A tutor and the professor would love the questions you have and will help you to their fullest power.

Taesup

High school?s been such a breeze, with a fair workload, extracurricular activities, and parents at home to do chores or favors for me. Sure, college will require more studying time and more time management from me, but I?m sure it won?t be too different. Currently in my sophomore year in college now, I have passed over the high school-to-college transition stage, and adapted to the new collegiate life, requiring independence. I learned that, clearly, that my thoughts entering college were false and that the transition would be more challenging than expected. Along with the increased schoolwork and activities that I expected, came laundry duties, making food, and much more. No more parents to kick me in the butt or to remind me of my responsibilities?I was now alone, and had to step up to independence. College professors, unlike high school teachers do not take attendance, or care whether students turn in homework. Students have to be responsible enough to go to class and turn in all of their work without reminders and incentives, besides their own will to learn. So, to my old high school senior self, I need to be prepared for independence.

Stephanie

Make sure you find the school for you. This college experience is all about you and what you want to make of your life. I made sure I researched all the school before I saw them. Take time to visit every single school you are interested in and ask as many questions as you want about the school, including the housing, food, and sports teams, whatever you need to make the school feel like it is going to be "your" school. Once you get into the college of your choice, get involved early. Consider your interests and research any clubs or organizations that you may want to take part in. Also, during the first couple weeks of school, get to know your school advisor. Advisors always steer you in the right direction concering what classes to take and what resources you can use around the school, such as tutoring or career services. Remember, all professors want to see you succeed. Also, time management is important. The last words of advice I have which was given to me my senior year is buy a door stop for your dorm room, no door stop, no friends (partly true). Good Luck Seniors!

Amanda

The single most important advice I would give is to keep your dorm room door open. I cannot emphasize how important it is to make friends with the people on your floor. You will want to be friends with them for social reasons, to go out with, for study reasons, to help you when your upset, and for just hanging out. It is so important to feel like you have a close group of friends near you. That way, you will always have something to do or someone to talk to, and this can be one of the best ways to enjoy your college career. Its so simple, but simply having a group to go get dinner in the cafeteria with will make a world of difference. If you get bored too much, you might start to feel lonely, and that's never good. So my advice is to keep your door open and put yourself out there. Go knock on your neighbors doos and hang out. This may seem awkward at first, but it's the best way to make friends, and having friends is the best way to enjoy college!