Plymouth State University Top Questions

There is one key piece of advice I would have for moving onto college. Make friends, go out and do things and don't spend your entire first semester without any true friends. It doesn't have to be a lot, but then it doesn't have to be just a few. Find the number that is right for you. College is about experiencing new( preferably safe) things, and you have no idea how much happier you'll be with a solid core of friends by your side. A regular meal time with four friends will do more for you then you can realize right now. But it is something which you will come to love and treasure when you have it, and crave it whenever it can't happen, or whenever the entire family isn't there. You'll never know how happy you can be until you experience life with a few people you love and trust. Just take care of yourself, and take care of your friends, and go out and live and experience that life. Trust me, a few close friends will make you wonder how you made it through the past four years without them.

If I could go back in time and talk to my self as a high school senior I would tell my self many things. I would tell my self not to stress and relax, everything is going to work out. I would also tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as possible becuase paying for school is not going to be easy!

Don't give up!

Dear Jack, as you are getting ready to start your college I thought I would give you some tips about making the transition. The most important piece of information I can give you is to find a good group of students to become friends with. Find like-minded people who want to do well in school. Avoid the people who are just at college for the parties whose parents pay for everything. As you get into the new found independence you must learn to balance socializing with friends and doing school work. You can always hang out with your friends later; sometimes your school work can't wait! Just remember to take it easy. College can be some of the greatest years of your life but it can be turned upside down any minute. Don't go with the crowd be your own man and do what makes you happy.

I would tell myself that you need to be prepared to work hard for your education. If you want a good grade you have to work for it. I would also tell myself if you need help fight for it and work hard. There is always help for those who need it you just have to be willing to look for it. Sometimes asking for help isn't always a bad thing. Some people will say no but then there are the others who go the extra distance to insure you get the help you deserve. Push the limits and never stop until you get what you need. There will be long nights and assignments that seem impossible but it is those nights and assignments that show you who you are and what you are capable of.

There are so many things that I would go back and tell my high school senior self. A major one would be that the work is worth it. All the late night homework assignments will pay off and the stress of college admissions will end and it will turn into something amazing. It is very important to listen to what your teachers have to say to you, they know what they are talking about, they have been in the same exact spot that you're in now. Take every bit of advice that you can from them, because, trust me, it will come in handy. Don't be so hard on yourself about a bad SAT score, because even though it may be important, it does not measure your worth as a student. Having a tutor is a glorious thing, they help so much and a lot of the time can get you to understand something better than your professor can. And lastly, do NOT procrastinate. Procrastination is an evil thing to get caught up in, just stay focused and force yourself to sit down and do your work!

If I could go back I would tell my high school self to take one semester off and travel or something crazy to help me find myself before leaving for college. I have changed my major three different times because of not knowing who I really was and what my true calling is. After my second change in major I took a semester off and worked full time and traveled around and figured out my passion was helping people. Last year when I enrolled in Social Work classes I knew immediately this was what I was meant to be doing and found my passion. The one semester that I took to myself and really got to focus on ME was so beneficial!

Learn more Math. It will certainly come in handy.

I would tell my self to visit the colleges i wanted to attend more than once. I have now attended three colleges. First was NHTI where i left after a year since i was home sick since my dad had just passed away. Second was WMCC where i graduated with an associates. I am now currently enrolled in Plymouth State University. My second piece of advice is to take more ruunning start courses to cut the cost down on college classes.

One of the most important things that I would tell my high school self would be to never fear or be conflicted by change. Whether it be changes in friends, housing, classes, jobs, majors or personal growth, everything will fall into place with a bit of faith. Adjusting to college life is hard, but it is rewarding and allows you the freedom to become the person that you want to be. Be spontaneous and adventurous without fear of trying new things; you may try something that doesn't work out, but that doesn't mean that you failed! It means that you put yourself out there and gave it a shot, no matter what the outcome. College is what you put into it, and nothing is worse than looking back on the years with regrets, so go for it! Focus on the present and live life to the fullest, whether that be taking an extra class or going out to social events with people you may not normally hang out with. College will be full of awkward and uncomfortable moments, but the good will far outweigh the bad. Live it up and don't be afraid of change!