Rider University Top Questions

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself not to get so worked up about college because it's not as hard as some people make it out to be. The key to doing well in college is time management, making sure you complete your work with your best effort and no cramming the night before any midterms or finals because you decided to wait to the last minute to study. I would also tell myself to really sit down and look into what college I want to attend and when making the decision as to what college I want to go to, really consider the cost. College isn't cheap and I'm not rich. I love the college I go to and I don't want to transfer, but the reality of it is my financial aid will not cover my tuition. With that said I would tell myself to pick a cheaper college because no one wants to have to make new friends all over again or have to move to another college just because you can't afford the college you originally came too.

I would advise all seniors, to not rush into this decision. College is a large life change. Do not base your decision on friends decisions or stupid things such as it being a top party school. Your education is important and should be taken more seriously. Having been in there shoes a few years ago i know what its like to be excited to leave home., but it is not all its cracked up to be. The partying will grow old, quick and the end of the semester comes just as fast. Also i would recommend community college. I know to most it sounds like highschool all over again, but there is nothing wrong with doing your first year at a community school. It really is a nice transition from highschool to the larger universities. Not to mention it will save a large amount of money.

If I could go back and time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself not to slack off as much and to choose a college not for its social events. I spent the first three years of high school working hard to get good grades along with balancing my clubs and job. My senior year, I slacked off a lot and to me, college was just about skipping class, going to parties to get drunk to skip class the next day. I, unfortunately, went to a college where that was the student's main goal, just to go party. After my first year, I did so terrible, I spent the next year trying to pick up my grades to transfer to my second choice college. In conclusion, if I was standing in front of a seventeen-year-old me, I would tell her to continue to work hard because it will pay off and to chose Rider University because that college will help me realize my full academic potential and make the lifelong friendships I never had.

Be ready to explore the many wonders and responsibilities of a college student. During the college years you will experience many changes, those that will help you pursue the right career path and those that will guide you in making your decisions as an independent learner. This is a time in your life where you will better yourself, and steer you?re self in the right direction. You can make a difference in your life while inspiring others just like you.

If I were able to go back and talk to my younger self in high school I would advise myself to work even harder on my grades because there is always room for improvement. I would also say to study harder for my SAT and ACT tests and take both yet another time. And that juggling my after school activities, home work and a job was all well and good but try and get into more community service oppotunites and not just the ones offered by my high school. Then I would say to think even more carefully about my major, which in a field as broad as business, better be thought through thoroughly, especially if your like me and desire only the minimal amount of math possible. I would tell myself that college really is an experience that will change your life you meet so many interesting people that could be potential references in the future so keep everyone close, and lastly, that becoming the professors favorite pupil never hurt anyone, rather it would behoove one to make sure the professor knows you care about the course, you don't even have to like it, just show your gratitude.

High school was my time for immense change and personal growth--academically and personally. Now that I am in college, I know that the growth I experienced in high school is making my college adventure far more meaningful. If I could go back in time, knowing what I know now about college life, I would tell myself to lighten up. I spent the vast majority of my high school career making sure I had perfect grades and a lot of extra-curricular activities, meanwhile losing sight of my goals. Rather than loving to learn and learning to love, I was just doing it for the grades. Now, in college, I see that I can still maintain great grades while enjoying life and the many lessons I can gleen from it. Stressing over ifs and maybes only hinders my ability to learn and my appreciation of learning.

I would tell myself to choose a small, private school. I orginally chose one of the largest schools in the country and transfered after my first semester to a small school with only one-tenth of the number of students. Even though it costs a lot more to attend a small, private school, the sense of community and the friends you make are worth it.

Honestly, if I had the choice to go back in time, I probably wouldn't. I would rather just allow myself to go through the process on my own, without my "college self's" advice. The whole point of college is to go out on your own and learn new things. I liked that I was going out on my own and that only I could make that transition meaningful. I liked that I would be the one to work through my problems and make decisions for myself. I wouldn't go back in time because I feel it would only hinder my first college experience.

Everything that your parents and teachers told you is the truth! Once you step foot on campus you are going to be overwhelmed by your surroundings and the many friendly faces. If being in college has taught me anything it would be that it?s a very rigorous and time consuming place in your life. College is nothing like High School. For you to succeed as a college student you MUST figure out what your priorities are, manage your time wisely and put your schoolwork first, and don't get caught up in any drama. You need to figure out your priorities; no one is going to hold your hand during this time. If you make a mistake your friends are not going to be there to fix it. Your schoolwork is the most important factor of college. You have to figure out a schedule to when you have time to do your work and study. Once you manage you time to where you want it, the rest of the year will be a breeze. And lastly, you are here to make pursue your passion, not make friends. Also, learn to spot the people who only want to use you.

As a high school senior, I was naive and extremely anxious about transitioning to and living at college. I was afraid that I would be constantly homesick, I wouldn't make any friends, and my grades would suffer. I cried endlessly those few weeks before the beginning of fall semester and I teared up as I hugged my family goodbye. Looking back, I realized I overanalyzed and was worried prematurely. Now, I am so thankful I made the decision that I did and I feel sad when I have to leave college to go home for breaks. College seems incredibly scary because of new responsibilities and more freedom when, in reality, it's a blast. New friends, TAs, advisors, and professors are all there to ease your transition. Never be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and always ask someone for help or support when you need it. When my college anxiety was at it's peak and I was struggling to make a desicion, my mother told me, "The fear of something is often worse than actually doing it." I found this advice to be 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} true and I recommend all seniors to realize this fact.