South Dakota State University Top Questions

If I could give any advice to myself as a high school senior, it would definately be open to anything; new people, new places, and new experiences are what college is all about. At first, I wasn't as open to the changes that I was experiencing when I moved into college, and this put me in a position where I wasn't comfortable in my own skin. I realized that I was just not accepting these changes in my life, and I vowed to make the change to deal with the changes in my life. Now, I am a much happier person and loving the life I'm living at college.

As a High School senior, I was still debating on an exact degree to choose. I was torn between Graphics, Photography and Film. I had already chosen a school that provided all three degree programs, but I would have to attend it three different times; which I could, but not in concession. I was also facing a finacial prouble, seeing as though I wouldn't be able to pay for college on my own and my parents were pressuring me to look for my own finaical assitance. As a senior, I would've told myself that I would lean on graphics more than anything and comfort myself that finaicial assitance is always available. That way, I would've started my scholarship search earlier and visiting my school of choice a little more often to become familar with the campus. As far as mental stability is soncerned, I would've told myself to be a lot more open-minded to new experiences to become seasoned, relax myself in times of stress, and study study study. If I could go back in time to my senior year, I would've helped myself out alot. thanks

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would of told myself to pick a college that had more major's that I was interested in. Do not just pick the same college as all your high school friends because you are confused on what you want to do with your life. Making the transition from high school to college can be a difficult time for many students. I would of told myself to not worry as much because most new students are feeling the same way. Right away a college student has to be outgoing and introduce themselves to different people. That is how one makes life long friends. I would of told myself that college is not as scary at it seems and to just relax and have fun. College is suppose to be an experiences that you will remember your whole life.

If I could go back to a year ago when I was starting my second semester as a high school senior, I would do a plethora of things different. First of all, I would have worked harder in my Advanced Placement classes so I could have saved money by taking that class again. Another thing I would have done different would have been to fill out all of the scholarships I could possibly apply for and have them sent in before their due date. I would have scheduled more hours at work and been willing to stay later and come in earlier or not decide to have random days off to go hang out with my friends. It is hard to think about college when you are trying to think about the upcoming graduation necessities, studying for final semester exams, trying to fill out school applications and scholarships, and also going the extra mile to write essays that sound professional and deserving. The main piece of advice that I would tell myself if I could go back in time was to be sure I was financially prepared, study hard, and just be sure to not procrastinate until the last minute.

I would tell myself to fill out more scholarships. What I thought then about how many i should fill out was wrong. I could never fill out too many scholarships. Knowing how much college cost and the toll it takes on a student is completely different from simply hearing about it. The transition to college life was not as hard as I suspected, so the only thing i would tell myself would be to keep filling out more scholarships.

It is important to become engaged in your education right away. Sit up front, ask questions, and be involved. You will get more out of your education. In some ways you are teaching yourself so you need to work well with the professors to know their expectations and how to best learn from them. You will also want to determine how you best learn personally and incorporate that knowledge in your learning. Also be sure to schedule time for studying. Your general education courses may "seem" like a waste, but many of them can be used in basic daily life. It is also important to not put off your education. There will be time to "socialize", but your education has to be your top priority. Even with experience, many jobs will not even look at you as a candidate if you don't have the four year degree - get your education as soon as you can.

Focus on pharmacy and go to a campus based college instead of tech schools and off campus colleges

Stay focused on your goals in your college career. Make sure to make lots of friends and don't be shy. College is not scary, just settle in and do your thing your way. Make sure to get to know your college professors because they are there to help you. Don't study all the time but don't party all the time either. There needs to be an equal balance. Do not procrastinate ever. It only will hurt you in the long run.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I wouldn't tell myself too many things about the college experience. Although many people told me about their college experience and gave me a heads up on what I should expect; nothing I heard seemed to be true in my life. Honestly all I would say is to be yourself and not let anyone change who you are, but not to be afraid of change. Because changing in college is inevitable. I would tell myself not to sweat over the small stuff and that you need to have fun once in awhile; you cannot study all the time or you will go insane.

I would tell myself to not worry about having perfect grades, having that perfect 4.0 because it doesn't seem to matter. I would also make myself do many more scholarships than I actually did. I would research different fields of study more too just to make sure I don't change my mind my junior year of college. And last but most importantly, I would tell myself to have fun as a senior in high school, cherish my high school, small town friends, and family because I will miss them.