Purdue University-Main Campus Top Questions

College life gets so much better after the first month. The first month I was at school, I hated it. I came in not knowing anyone and I was terrified that I would't find any friends. The first month is an awkward stage for most people. Everyone is in the same boat, so don't feel like you're the only one who's lonely. After the first month people start getting more comfortable at being at a new place and you become closer and closer to the friends you have made. So don't give up the first month, wait it out and then the fun begins!

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to jot down a list of all of my fears pertaining to college, and then order myself to rip it to shreds! Before leaving, I was teeming with emotions. Knowing that I soon would be breaking away from my family and friends would often send me into a fit of hysterics. The thought of saying good-bye to my boyfriend made me nauseous. Worst of all, I had no idea what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. It has now been five months, and I am happier than ever! I still have my wonderful boyfriend, and I visit my family and friends at least once a month. All of my worst fears have faded into the distance, and my true ambitions have been brought to light. Never again will I let my little fears bring me down, and thanks to the enlightening experiences I have had here at college, I know that I will succeed no matter what new obstacle comes my way.

The advice I would give myself as a high school senior is very simple. Its words are straightforward but the meaning behind them is truly profound. This simple advice is "be yourself." It appears that every teenager is desperate for a way to fit in with society. This often means transforming ourselves into something we simply are not. We rely on revealing clothes, fake actions, and artificial friends. Sometimes under pressure, we simply conform to the stereotype that everyone has of us. In high school, i was known as the smart boy with no popular friends, who did nothing but study to get his usual straight A's. However, my peers could not have been more wrong about me. Unfortunately, I was too concerned about upholding the impression that everyone had of me, and found myself unable to break out of my shell. To my surprise, I soon found out during my transition into college that all I have to do is be myself. There is no need to impress anyone and no stereotype to uphold. When I am myself I am active, involved, and outgoing. I am loved by my true friends and I am simply the real me.

Looking back, I would have to say that my senior year of high school was the most confusing time in my life. I actually ended up going to freshman orientations at 2 universities and decided at the last minute to attend Purdue University. I had no idea where I wanted to see myself in 4 years, yet alone how I would get there. However, once I began my studies and worked extremely hard, my goals became more apparent and achievable. Amidst all the chaos of being a freshman, I discovered a class that sparked my interest. After the first day of my forensic science class, I knew that I wanted to study law and the rest fell into place. As a first semester freshman I excelled, and I believe one reason is because I am studying something that I love. In conclusion, this past semester I have discovered that my future is entirely up to myself and the choices I make along the way. Looking back, I wish that senior year I would have known that what university you attend isn't what is most important, what is most important is that you are studying something that you truly love.

NATASHA!!! FILL OUT THOSE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS AND GET INTO THE HABIT OF STUDYING. Those would be my exact words if I could go back in time to my senior year. It feels like I have run into so many financial hardships ever since I walked on campus. If I would had simply filled out more scholarships like I know I should have I probably wouldn't have had all this hardship and stress. I guess I didn't know how serious and important it was to get money for school but boy do I know now. I would have also told myself to get into a study habit. At my high school we called senior year the highway because everyone cruised right through it. Coming from a year where I did nothing to a year where all I do is go to class and study two hours for every hour I'm in class was a very big transition. I do regret not knowing or doing these things, but they were a life lesson well learned.

I would tell myself to get more involved with the many activities at school. I don't thinkit would be wise to sign up for every opportunity that came along. It would be best to pick a few groups that would fit me best and stick with them. There are so many options there would definately be a match somewhere. Getting involved will definately enrich any college experience.

I would tell myself to search for a career in which I'd want to work in within the future, and with that, I would tell myself to search for strong and renown academic programs within the US in which I was planning to study. Also, I would tell myself to search more for scholarships and grants available for undergraduate students. AND I would also tell myself to make the most of life when I attend college; college should not only be a time for studying and getting good grades, but for also making life-long friendships and having a good time. I would also stress the fact that if I don't feel comfortable at a university, I should consider transferring to a different one. And in regards to living situations, I would tell myself to NOT live with strangers, even if I would save money in the long run. I'd rather pay a greater rent rather than living in stressful, uncomfortable living situations.

I would say I, make sure that you keeping checking on your school statis. Make sure you sign all promisory notes, since you applied for financial aid. Attend all of the meeting the college has for incoming students. Apply for every scholarship and grant that the college will accept from you. And save some money for college, so you buy college material and things you think you would need.

Oh high school. If I could go back and talk to myself about college, I would say that all the homework you have now is easy and there is not much to it. All of what is going on in high school will disapear when you graduate. All the extra time you have will be used up for studying, and you can' get away with not studying in college if you want to succeed. I would tell myself to take every piece of advice from the teachers, yes they may be hard on you sometimes, but you are a jewel and all they are trying to do is help you shine and be as brilliant as you hope and are. You succeed and you fail, but you learn from each failure and they strenghten you and help you to strive harder for what you want. You have to work for your goal. You are your own hero, and if you know you can make it, and never give up, you will shine. Observe, listen, learn, and never give up. They will help you to your goal.

If I could travel back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to study for every class no matter how easy it seems. When I came to college I studied like I did in high school, which turned out ineffective with rigorous college level courses. After my first round of exams I realized my studying habits had to change quickly, or my grades would suffer. In high school you have so much homework that it rounds out any bad tests or quizzes. But in college you have a couple quizzes and four exams, which count as your entire semeste grade. I never knew one test could affect your grade so deeply, until now. Although I've learned through my mistakes, it would have been nice if I came to college with this knowledge of studying. I could have prevented many stressful and anxious days if I would have known this from day one.