SUNY College at Geneseo Top Questions

Do not be scared of change. College is where you will become the person you were always meant to be. Saying goodbye to high school friends and family members before leaving is the hardest part. However, a week into the first semester life just feels different. Everything up to leaving for college feels like one life, and from that second you arrived it is as if it's a whole new life. New is not scary, it feels completely right. The first week everyone is experiencing the same things so making new friends comes naturally, and the people who were important to you before college always find a way to make sure the connection stays there. Also college is really fun. Don't think about the small stuff like how can I shower with shoes on?, or will classes be really hard?, or is it ok to sleep with my teddybear still? The answers to these questions are simple and discovered that first week then become second nature. If you aren?t scared of the change and are open to all the new experiences and people college has to offer it will be the greatest time of your life.

Going back in time and being able to talk to myself as a high school senior would be something that I would very quickly take advantage of. I would said, ?Katie, sit down and do your homework!? Senior year if I had done my homework every night and put the extra effort into my work I have no idea where I could have gone. During my first semester as a college student I learned that you barely ever go to class and you have to do SO MUCH work. I would also sit down with myself and say, ?Listen to your parents they do know what they are talking about.? My parents always told me that I could do whatever I set my mind to. That was exemplified during first semester. I wanted to drop a computer science class and my parents said dedicate yourself to the class and do your best, and sure enough they were right (as always) and I pulled a B+ off in the class. I would also go back and tell myself, ?Don?t let high school go by too fast, you are going to miss it.?

One piece of advice I would give to the younger me would be to go explore and try out more activitiies available whlie she could, to develop more interests not yet found. Although there are numerous activities and organizations open to students, what matters the most is your own interest; what do you like to do. Another thing to say to myself is to "start fostering good study habbits." It is really important in college to have a good study habbit because no one will tell you when to read the textbooks, do the homework or begin the research; everything depends on yourself to finish. Procrastination has to stop as it will drag you straight down to the bottom... Efficient study strategy is essential, too, as it will assist you in getting the best results out of shorter amount of time consumed. Finally, I would tell myself to learn to open up my heart to others more. College is not just about gaining knowledge; it's also another important stage in one's life where new friendships can be built and last life-long.

If I were to do it all again with the knowledge I possess now, I would not worry about the college application process. In high school was so stressed about college and finding the school that "fit" my interests, lifestyle, and personality. I applied to over 15 schools and when accepted to a handfull, I painstakingly went over the pros and cons of each. Now, after enrolling in SUNY Geneseo and talking with friends about their schools, I realize I could basically be happy in any college. I feel I made the right decision by choosing one the best value public colleges in the country, but most schools are more or less the same. The best way to choose a college is by what feels right and the social climate of Geneseo was right for me. If I had a time machine and could tell myself what the future would hold, I would say that worrying about college is pointless.

The transition between high school and college can be challenging for students, especially for those who are the first in their family to attend. Firstly, in order to make this transition a smoother process, I would tell myself to be unafraid to take risks. I believe that trying something new, whether it be a sport, club, or class, can help expand one's social network. To better succeed in the classroom, I would advise myself to be confident enough to ask for help. The professors are available to assist students who seek their help. It is necessary to get assistance from any available resources as soon as one is struggling with a class. Lastly, I would reccomend practicing and learning better time-management skills. Being able to balance all of life's responsibilities gives a student an advantage over others who have not mastered this skill. If, before college, I had learned how to better use my time, I could have avoided getting behind in my studies. Therefore, by taking risks, having confidence, and being able to time manage, the transition between high school and college can be made a little easier.

I would tell myself that college is definitely a difficult and rewarding journey. I would also tell myself to work harder in order to get more financial grants and scholarships.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that college is not as scary and initimidating as it first appears to be. I would tell myself to not be so apprehensive and afraid to leave for school because college is an amazing experience and going off to school will be the best decision I have ever made. I would inform myself of how college is completely different from anything I have experienced so far, but it is so completely worth it. The things I have already learned and am continuing to learn in college have already shaped me into someone very different than who I was. My new experiences have changed me for the better and have made me into a more well rounded individual. I already feel more independent and feel that I am learning more about how to make it on my own in the real world. If I could, I would go back and tell myself to be excited for college, and to get ready for the ride of my life.

Don't settle. There are so many amazing schools to choose from, so don't make a decision too quickly. Sometimes, there are options you don't even consider because you think they're too far from home, or too much money, or too big. But you never truly know until you visit a school and think about not only the reputation and name, but your life there. Think about who you are and where you're going to be happy living. You're only 18 or 20 once, and your time in college is about your lifestyle, not just your classes. If I were to go back, I'd tell myself to look more closely at where I want to live, not what school I want to go to. Because when class is over, your town is your home. Your school is your life. Pick a place where you can be the star of not only the school, but your own life. These four years will fly by. Let them fly, but do it joyously.

I would encourage myself to be more open-minded about the entire college process. College is filled with new experiences including living with a roommate, meeting scores of new people, hundreds of clubs and activities to explore and, often, a new and unfamiliar part of the country. I was very nervous when I arrived for my first day of freshman year. I would encourage myself to get involved in more activities as soon as I set foot on campus. Although I was involved in some activities freshman year, I wasn't as involved as I wanted to be. However, I joined several new clubs this year and was able to become more involved on campus. I have always been shy but now that I know there is nothing to be scared of in college, I would tell my younger self to be more extroverted and meet more people in the same situation as I was in.

I would tell myself to get out there and start meeting people right away. I definitely waited too long to get involved on campus. I have met my closest friends through my experiences in the college community and cherish their friendship. I only wish I would have met them sooner instead of keeping to myself for most of my freshman year. I now, as a junior, take advantage of many opportunities the college offers to meet new people. I am open to different ideas and believe that you learn best from sharing the lives and experiences of others.