Plymouth State University Top Questions

If I were in high school now, I would work harder and harder to get the highest scores possible that would allow me to take college level classes instead of wasting time and money taking developmental classes. I would compete for the highest GPA like if I were competing for a championship or a world cup game. High school scores are the key to an easy step in college easy life. If I were in high school now I would make studies my first and very important priority. I would sleep fewer hours and canceal any other things that would waste my valuable study time. According to my actual degree and my future prefered career, languages are very important. So, if I were in high school now I would concentrate on taking more foreign languages classes and work on mastering at least 3 languages especially English and Spanish. High school is an easy step of education in comparison with college. So, If I were in high school now I would plan on learning as much as I can and I would calculate the minutes and the seconds so as not to waste that valuable time.

I am a non traditional student, so in a way I can look back and make changes to my behavior to what is was when I was first in college. The first piece of advice I would give is don't be afraid to try new things, you'll meet so many great people and have such great experiences that you'll never forget, so keep an open mind. The next advice, having fun is great but remember that college is for an education, and it's expensive. Loans are with you for years to come, so make it worth the money. For alot of students, it's their first experience away from home, there's alot to learn about especially in financial and time management skills. College is a learning experience in prioritization and it can difficult. Keep your eye on the prize and your future.

If I could step back in time and give myself advice as to the transition from high school to college, I would start by saying "slow down". When we are in that graduation speed race and college acceptance furry, we forget to really look at whats best for ourselves. We all know we need to go to college but we do not realize how important the decisions we are making really are. Slow down and consider why you want to go to college. Consider why you have your eye set on specific colleges. Think about what the benefits of staying on campus might be as opposed to living at home if you are close enough. As adults we have been able to learn from some of these "off the cuff" decisions that were made, and the only advice I can give with certainty is to slow down and appreciate the process. When you make the final transition and are alone at campus, remember mom and dad are only a phone call away. We want that independance and need to understand that it is not failure to miss home and to scared. Take your time and remember mom and dad.

Entering college I was reminded repeatedly about the important balance between school work and social life. I knew that living away from home without my parents would be a true test whether I could handle the freedom that so many upcoming students long for. The first week of school especially I made it my priority to put myself out there and make many new friends that give you a friendly and welcoming feeling. It just so happened that none of my classmates from my high school attended PSU, you are able to be yourself and open up to others that you may have never met if you didnt go to college. Higher education is a valuable tool where it is designed to make you think while networking with other classmates in collaboration. After living at school not too long I realized that the friends that im making everyday at school, are also a resource when it comes to shaping our minds by brainstorming or creating new ideas. You never can have too many friends so my advice is to meet as many new people as possible to make it an enjoyable experience.

I would tell myself to do my work more. It does matter that you hand in something late or only put half the effort into it, it makes you look lazy and bad and If you dont get good grades then you wont be able to get scholarships as easy as someone who is doing well in school and you will have to put in more effort and running around last minute to find what you can to pay for your education. It feels better when you see A, A, B instead of C, B-, C on report cards. Do not make quick judgments on people because you do not know where they have been, give everyone a chance and if they prove you other wise or if they give you a bad vibe then you dont have to deal with it but just be kind. I would also tell myself you really can do this, you are ready, living with new people is no problem all you have to do is speak up. Dont be afraid to say what you mean, if someone disagrees or doesnt understand, there are ways to work it out. Be tough. Stand tall.

The advice I would give myself is be realistic with yourself and to accept the fact that there is no shame in taking your time when it comes to getting through college. The reason I would tell my past self this is because I have made a lot of hasty and impractical decisions in my college career. For example, when I graduated from high school I got accepted to the University of Maryland but had no means to pay for the cost of tution. I decided to get a part time job in order to pay for college in addition to be full time at the University. That turned out to be a major mistake, as my amount of work I put into my job overshadowed the amount of work I put into school. It was at that point that I realized that I can't rush through college. Furthermore, I had to be frank with myself and know what I can realisticly do and what is beyond my limit.

There big different between High school and college are time and self-responsibility. In high school you spend more time in class but in college you have less in class and more work to finish out of class. If I was to start over in high school I could more force on time management, and take more courses to review some of the college courses. I will also plan to save money that will help me while going to college.

No one in my family has ever gone to college. I was not adequately informed about anything relating to college. I would tell myself that every class counts. Each grade you make matters. I would also tell myself to take the ACT as a senior instead of just once as a junior. I was not even aware that I needed to apply for aid and admission to colleges before I graduated high school. Honestly, I did not even know I needed books! I would inform myself of all these things. I had to figure everything out the hard way, and that put me at a disadvantage. I suppose it wasn't my fault, though. I would also tell myself to concentrate more on school than socializing or partying. Education is important, especially now that I'm a mother. I would plead to myself to focus on long term consequences instead of short term fun. I would tell myself to not be afraid and that each good decision reaps a good harvest.

Life is all about choices. Choose to be prepared. Listen to your instructors for good study strategies. Take notes, record lectures, and research helpful websites. Get extra help for difficult classes. Choose to take chances. Believe in yourself. Share your good ideas with others and listen to their contributions. Work together to put your good ideas into action. Choose to get involved. Build a network of friends and colleagues who support and encourage eachother. Help motivate eachother with rewards for jobs well done. Choose to work hard. Have fun but work hard. You will reap what you sow. Go for it...IT'S YOUR CHOICE!!

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a senior, I would inform myself of how college is set up. Going from 30 hours of school per week to 15 hours of school per week is nice; but you make up for the missing 15 hours in homework. The work in college is more demanding and requires more thought to complete; I would tell myself to make sure I know all required material before going to class everyday. I would also advise myself to keep a very organized schedule because college is full of deadlines and meetings. Having so many deadlines and meetings makes it easy to space things, especially if you just try to remember everything. Lastly, I would tell myself to get involved as much as possible. The first semester of college seems weird because you don't know your surroundings yet. In order to get rid of this feeling you should go out and get involved with things you see going on around campus, it makes for a great opportunity to meet new people.