SUNY at Albany Top Questions

I think I would focus on explainig to myself the importance of keeping focused on school work and of time mangagement. I would explain that what I thought was busy in highschool would be nothing once I got to college and that there will always be more social events in the future but only one time to complete assignments admirably. I would go on to say that though there will be many times when I would have to miss out on fun social events because I needed to study or do school work, with good time management, good grades and an exciting social life are possible. My high school self should know that it's most important to keep her eye on the prize at all times and to never forget the purpose of attending college. I would stress to her that school always comes first and that she should always give every assignment her all; I'd express that every bit of effort makes a difference. If I had the opportunity to speak with my High School self, she would hear all this, and that, though it will take a lot of hard work, she can have it all.

I would tell myself not to be so depressed during my first year, when my roommates were all vapid, idiotic, lazy drunks, to just ignore all of the stupidity I was exposed to every day and throw myself even more into my studies (granted, I got a 4.0 my first year anyway...). SUNY Albany is a pretty decent school if one puts enough work into one's classes-- it's impossible to receive a good education without putting in the effort. I'd also tell myself to soldier through the abysmally-taught General Chemistry classes; it is certainly an ego booster to know more than one's professors. The classes sophomore year are a lot better if one is certain of one's major. Finally, I'd tell myself not to despair at the lack of common ground I have with other students. By the second half of freshman year, it is generally possible for one to find a social group with which to affiliate, and I found my fellow nerds.

I would tell myself that attending classes is the most important step to academic success.

There is really no advice that I can say. to myself. I graduated number 1 in my 2008 class. I was known as a social nerd. I had fun and was very social and popular and kept a 4.0 GPA my whole 4years in High School. I made the best choice possible for the college that I attend and my major is something that I can not wait to get into once in business world. If I had to go back give myself advice it would. DO JUST WHAT I AM DOING!!!

If I could go back in time and tell myself about college, I would tell myself how much more important homework and studying is. I would also warn myself about accruing student loans. Most Importantly, I would tell myself to get references from my professors.

I believe that I would have told myself to skip the rest of my high school career and continue on to college while taking classes to fulfill my high school deplomia requirements. I personally didn't like the slow pace of high school and the immaturity of my peers. I have accrued 88 credits since I graduated high school in 2008 and have a GPA of 3.82. If I could go back I would have told myself that engineering was not the correct career path for me and that I should look at biology as a major. I have so far changed my major from being a chemical engineer to being a pharmacist (I'm also a PTCB certified tech) to doing research in cell bio and genetics.

Stick with your number one choice school and go there. You made it in twice but had no choice but to go to where you will attend because your parents gave you no choice. You will be so much happier going to your school of choice. You will have great friends both old and new that will attend your school of choice. You'll also be able to play collegiate sports and stick to what you love. Same with the courses. Don't play golf. It'll hurt your back. Fight for what you want. Be hard-headed and you will get to where you want to be. You may even find what you're looking for when you attend your school of choice. Best of luck. Hold your head up. And stay the way you are.

I think the most crucial bit of advice would be to take good care of your cumulative average. A lot of high school students don?t realize how significantly their cumulative average could be damaged by one rocky semester in college. Moreover, the struggle to redeem yourself and bring your cum back up is extremely difficult. New college students should be given this bit of advice and warning so that this issue is clearly understood. I?ve known many students, great students, who let their grades slip in the first semester or two because they were excited to go away to school, meet new friends, and socialize. Unfortunately they ended up paying a high price for that and for a long period of time.

I would tell myself to be patient with the trials of freshman year away from home and to focus well on school because it's more demanding than high school. I would tell myself not to be discouraged by the basketball-shortened fall and winter breaks and that my friends at that school could easily become as important to me as my friends from high school.

Going back in time I would definetely take the opportunity to be more involved in college life. I would try and visit more campuses and get really involved in requirements of each school. I would also approach many different programs to spark my interest and read into schools to see where I could be focused more. I love the school I go to and am really glad I made it here but I know if I would have just known a little more and been more involved in the process than perhaps I could have individualized more and really went somewhere that I could focus and maybe gear up for something for the future instead of having to go to college and figure it all out.

Remember that no matter what happens or how far away from home you are, bloom where you are planted. Make the best ofall the oportunities at hand. You don't have to be who you were in highschool.

Pick a vocational school and save up more money.

I would definitely say "Calm Down!" It's one's own prerogative how many schools they choose to apply to, but it is in my own personal experience that applying to an excessive amount of schools is just added (and unnecessary) stress. What constitutes "excessive" is subjective, but I would say anywhere above 12 schools is a little overindulgent (and not to mention expensive). And as much as I love almost every aspect of college and definitely agree with the sentiment that college graduates have a significantly greater advantage in the job market, it is also about who you know. Having an internship over the summer can vastly improve an individual's chances once it's time to enter the real world. One thing to never forget is that college doesn't make someone, and neither do grades. I feel as though seniors forget that college is a short gateway into what you will be doing the rest of your life. High marks at an outstanding college are impressive to a prospective employer, but having a great personality and being passionate about your trade outweigh any A+.

DO NOT trust your roomate and DO NOT assume your going to be friends!!

If I was able to go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, the first thing I would tell myself would be "Be honest with yourself MaryAnn. Don't pick a school that you think is popular or people will admire you for getting accepted into. Go to a school that you enjoy and would like to be proud of. Don't pick a college that will impress your parents or family, because when it comes down to it you have to be happy." The transition to college was easy because I was outgoing, but I would tell myself to make a better choice because when it comes down to it, I am the only one that needs to be happy.

Upon making the return to high school as a senior, I would tell myself not to fall in love! As soon as I came to campus I fell for a fellow undergraduate going through the same adjustments as me--except for the fact that I was attending out of state and he wasn't, but he made being hundreds of miles away from home comfortable. He made me enjoy my time in school and also miss the university when I was away from it. Being so blinded by falling in love I missed my first Economics assignment! Therefore, I would tell myself and other high school students that their is tons of support from your fellow students in college, but you should also be aware that you have more responsibility in your hands.

I would tell myself that I really need to learn to study prior to entering college. As well as to take more College in the High School courses, instead of taking a New York State BOCES course. That instead of attending New Visions Allied Health, I should take Calculus I and Advanced Biology, as well as Economics and Government, and English. That way when I entered college I would be on a more even playing field with my fellow classmates. I would also say that Pre-Medicine was not the right choice for me, and what I saw was a very dramatic and non-sense vision of working in a hosiptal. That I should consider entering college with a more open mind, and consider taking a range of courses to examine myself, and what I am truly interested in. I would also tell myself, to remember to be true to myself, and enjoy every second I can, not to work all the time, but to also not have fun all the time, and to learn to balance them. Because college isn't all about work, nor is it all about play, but both, and a lifetime of memories.

Take as much math and general education classes that fulfil multiple general education requirements as you possibly can because you won't get that first year back and doing so will allow you flexibility in choosing any potential majors you may learn about during that first year. Join more science oriented clubs since you need the experience and connections. Don't worry too much about money but search the college's website for some pretty readily available scholarships and before enrolling ask the college financial aid office to see if they can increase your merit scholarship. Don't worry about your annoying first roomate, he gets moved under some fairly hilarious circumstances, but beware; he's replaced by a more subtly annoying one that will destroy your sleep. You care too much about things. Stop caring and you'll be much happier and won't get into nearly as many unwanted situations, such as the Honor's College, which has far more annoyances than benifits.

Stay Focused! College life is great and you will meet a lot of people however you need to work hard. Life after college is very competitive and you want to be in the best possible position to succeed. Have fun enjoy your independence but don?t forget to get your work done. Also, go to college orientation during the summer, it's definitely worth missing a couple of days at your summer job. Figure out what interests you academically and sign up for good classes. Ask upperclassmen to recommend their favorite classes to you. Advice from those who have been there will save you a lot of time and will get you good grades! Buy books online because the bookstore will take all of your money and you can still sell it back at the end of the year for some extra cash. Spread your wings and don?t be shy because you will miss out on a lot of great people. Last but not least, don?t be in a hurry to graduate the real world is not half as fun or intriguing as it may seem and those four years fly by!

I would have told myself to put myself out there more, and not to get discouraged by drama and negative experiences. Not caring what everyone else thinks about you and doing things that make you happy. Taking in part and clubs and other such activities that are interesting can make all the difference in making new friends. Be understanding of people's differences and open to totally new experiences. I think that it is obviously very important to study and work hard academically, but college is also a time to have fun and do exciting things with your life that you might not have time for later in life.