Syracuse University Top Questions

I would tell myself to take each day at a time and not get overwhelmed. Work on your time management and organizational skills. Cherish this time in college and take all the opportunities you can to make friends and try new things. Keep a job to make money but also make time to socialize. Remember that studying is important. Take advantage of the knowledge of your professors. Network and make connections. Go to more sporting events and concerts. It will take time to get used to the new setting and lifestyle but you are blessed to go to this school so be happy.

I would advice myself to take less courses, especially the first semester. I would also advice myself to become active in campus as soon as possible.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to practice opening up to people and be braver in regards to meeting new people. I was rarely the kind of person to go up to a random person and begin a conversation, and even when I did, I could barely hold the conversation for too long before my awkwardness and shyness kicked in. This trait was hard to shake when I got into college, where I, like everyone else, knew no one. It was hard to make friends because I hadn’t learned how to be more spontaneous and open to meeting new people. I learned that having a group of friends to hang out with is a very important aspect to college life. If I could go back in time, I’d definitely tell myself to make some changes to my social skills and to start meeting new people everywhere I could. Practice makes perfect, and I am now getting better at being more sociable!

If I were able to talk to my high school self, I would tell her that she should only apply to schools that she is truly passionate about going to. I got talked into applying to some schools in Texas by my mother and I did get into them but my heart wanted to go out east. Luckily, I got into one of the schools that I was drooling over, but if I could've had more options out of state then I could have been able to look around and see which school would offer me the most money so that I wouldn't be in quite the financial bind that I currently am since my parents do not pay for any of my schooling. I would also want to tell myself to open up to love because ever since my parents divorce I have been afraid to trust people, and if I were to give people the chance then I could be truly happy.

Since my major is known widely as one of the hardest at the University, I was afraid I wouldn't really have time for extracirriculars. I didn't really get involved in some things that I wanted to because I figured why bother? I wasn't going to have time to see them through because my coursework would take up too much of my time. I would tell my high school self not to restrict myself or use my coursework assumptions as excuses for not getting involved. I ended up finding out there were people in my major who were involved in the very same clubs and activities I was interested in (like ski club, for example). I would tell myself that freshman year is the lightest year as far as coursework goes and is meant for trying new things--so go for it! Do what you want and if it doesn't work out, then fine, at least you know and are sure you didn't miss out on something great!

When I look back to high school days, I see a hopelessly timid, quiet, and overly cautious girl. Many students look back to high school and say, ”I wish I focused harder, tried harder, and avoided the sways of procrastination.” Of coarse I look back and point out that I could have studied a little harder (everyone can always do better), but a lack of focus was never a problem for me in high school. My inability to be outgoing prevented me from reaching my highest potential. Now in college, I think, “why was I so afraid?” If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself, “Life gets much better than this Veronica. There is no need to be afraid and shy, for it only holds you back. You are a smart, talented, and funny young lady. Let the world know it! Speak up! Sharing your ideas will not only help you improve in school, but it may even help other students improve as well. You will be surprised how much a positive change in attitude will help you succeed not only in college, but in everything you do”.

If I could go back in time and give my high school senior self any advice, it would be to never doubt yourself. You know what you love, so go for it. I spent so much of my time earlier on trying to make others happy that I forgot who I was and what my passions were. I wish I had accepted those earlier on. I would also advise myself to exhaust all financial options as soon as possible. It has always been a struggle financially at Syracuse, but I think if I had realized this earlier and prepared myself, my parents and I would have had an easier time. Despite the advice I would give myself, my time at Syracuse has been enjoyable, even through the tough times Even if I had the chance, I wouldn't give up my experience at this university for the world.

College will grant you the ability to actively participate and immerse yourself in any subject hat interests you. Too often, students focus on theory and the text of a subject, often neglecting the human element. As a college student, you will be able to continue learning about everything and anything you could think of. The individuals in the text book are no longer obscure names, you will see them teaching and mentoring you everyday. You will enjoy being a student and should be grateful for the numerous opportunities you will have in college. From community service to studying abroad in a country that is no where similar to the United States. Be prepared to challenge yourself in a different capacity. Continue to be educated, network, and eventually improve the world. Sure, the transition will be hard. You won’t have your mothers food, nor will you have the comforts of home. But this is all in part of, as corny as it sounds, growing up. You will see so much more diversity, intellect, and enthusiastic students that you will never see anywhere else. This is truly, an opportunity of a lifetime.

Edam,Remember the weeks you spent trying to learn a monologue and at the day of presentation you choked in front of your class? But, after that, you recovered and did it so smooth that you got a standing ovation. Our life is somewhat like that. The product will not always be as perfect as we imagined, but the effort you put in the process will show. The long days of breakdance practice and creating choreography to prepare the team may seem meaningless, but will pay off. A lifestyle of independence that you hope for will become a reality and the family problems you face will arrange themselves in a way that you may not like. But, please take on the challenge of being more productive toward your family and your art. Focus Edam, but in all, do what makes you feel accomplished because not knowing what is to come adds that sense of adventure to our life. “Look forward, for only pigs look down when they walk, even a dog has the decency to raise its head once in a while”. These wise words from our grandmother will always stick with us, and you will soon understand their importance.

I would tell myself to get a better sleeping and homework schedule. I tend to put things off until the last minute. Though it usually works for me, I know I would feel better If I got things done and out of the way. I would also tell myself to be involved in more things. I'm not a junior and wish I had joined a club or two during my freshman year in order to meet new people.

Stay on track Shevin; you can succeed in any career you choose. Making the transition into college is not as hard as you may think. You just have to apply yourself a little more than your used too. College life is not all about partying and having fun, its a time to learn more about what you do best and thats helping others. You love sports and helping people when they're hurt so choose a field where you can be around both. Take the extra time to may have to study or even practice on certain things for your courses. Shevin like your mother always said your smarter than what you act, so start acting like your a smart student and take your school work seriously. I know you can become successful in anything you do, you're well-rounded you just have to apply yourself with hardwork and dedication like you would in sports. Stay on track Shevin your hard work will pay off one day soon.

I would tell myself that the hardest part of college was paying for it, and to apply to more scholarships.

The one thing I would say to my high school self, is keep moving forward. Never give up! I learned that my first year here, and I live by it everyday. Everything doesn't always go as planned. So when that happens, you have to be ready to get back up and try again. The only failure is not trying or giving up too quickly. Everyone make mistakes, especially in college, but that's what college is for. It teaches you that when things don't go as expected, or something doen't go your way, you must keep moving forward! Also, don't be afraid to be social butterfly and break out of your shell. That's what this time is for, to make connections and network. If you don't take advantage of it, you're only wasting time and money. So in conclusion, be active, be friendly, and keep moving forward!

With age comes intelligence. Or so they say. Looking back, there are many things I would do differently my senior year of high school. My studying habits, my time management, and my overall attitude towards my academics are all things I would alter. I would take my SATs perhaps just one more time, or try to raise my GPA . However, the single most important thing that I have learned over the past couple of months is just how important getting involved is. Participating in various clubs and activities allows student to meet new people, make different groups of friends, network with important adults, and truly find your passion. I am learning that now, as a college student, by getting involved in different groups on campus. However, if I had done this during my time in high school, I could have met many different people, or made important connections for myself. I could have found what it is that I am truly passionate about and maybe figured out where I wanted to be in ten years. So, the advice I would give myself as a high school senior would be to get more involved in school and in the community.

I went into college not knowing how the system works and I had a very difficult time in my first semester because I did not recieved much advice from people who had the experience. The transition from high school to college was also very difficult because they are so different from each other. One advice I would still keep in my head today is to not slack and fall behind with class work and homework. You would have a lot of freedom in college so you would think that "oh, I am going to have time to do it later so I will start later." But since everything in college moves so fast, you will find yourself struggling and running out of time to finish before you know it. So what I would do now in my second semester in college is that, do all my work on the same day that they were assigned so that the information are still fresh in my mind. Also, Instead of being distracted in hanging out with friends, I would also find time to talk to my professors and introduce myself to them so I could leave a good impression in their mind.

Don't be so hard on yourself. Rome wasn't built in a day. You know more than you think you do. Don't let other people tell you what you are or what you're good at. Make the most of your resources, but don't push yourself so far out on a limb that you are barely holding on. Do what you do best.

As a senior, I remember specifically choosing schools that were far away from home (at least four hours). But, once I got to campus I realized how much I missed my home. I missed my moms cooking and sitting by the fireplace at night, and I missed my sisters and cats. My current roommate is from just outside of Syracuse, and while she is at school she feels as if she is hours away from home. I have realized that living on a campus separate from my home is enough space to enjoy my college years and my independence. If I could advise my high school self about applying to colleges, I would suggest looking at schools closer to my home, rather that ones that are six hours away. I absolutely love Syracuse University and I am so glad I came here, but I certainly do wish I weren't so far from my family. If I would have known this when I was applying to colleges, I might have found just as good of a fit even closer to home, and been just as happy there as I am on campus here.

Even though you might think you can't wait to get away from home and start fresh, you will get lonely and you will miss the people you left behind. Cherish the times you have left with them. But don't let that get you down! You'll make new friends and have fun as long as you stay confident and optimistic. And remember, when you go to visit colleges, I recommend paying attention to two things that I did not: the other students at the school and the cost of tuition. There's a variety of people at every school, but will you fit in? And I know that by now you're getting tired of scholarship applications and essays, but don't give up! It'll help you out later. College can be overwhelming, but tackle it head on. Trust me, it's worth it.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a highschool senior, I think the first thing I would make sure to say is to remember not to loose sight of your purpose. College life offers many opportunites to get distracted or forget why you applied in the first place, such as getting caught up socially, taking advantage of the liberty if offers a young adult, extracurricular activities, and being able to pick and choose your academic track. Although college also offers just as many opportunites for academic success and positive social aspects, it is much easier to fall into the options that are not as beneficial because everything is so new. I would tell myself to of course enjoy the college experience, meet new people, have a social life, join a club, pick up a part time job, but do not loose sight of why you are here. Take your academics seriously and make decisions that will support your academic success. There is no reason why you should not take advantage of your college experience, but do so in a way that will make the experience seem like a waste. Remember your purpose.

Stop worrying about getting rejected from colleges. Be more confident in yourself and apply to those Ivy Leagues, who knows what could happen. But since you picked SU, take that same fearlessness and be proud of your school - don't doubt your choice. Syracuse is cold but you really don't need to bring all 47 of your scarves; leave some stuff at home. Talk to your dad on the four-hour drive up to SU instead of sleeping, he may have some valuable insights. Listen to your mom, that guy you will meet freshmen year who showers you with compliments? Don't believe him because he's not that great. Also, don't try and get revenge by flirting with his next door neighbor. You'll meet some of your best friends your freshmen year, but that doesn't mean you can't always make new ones. College is all about creating your own experience. If your friends do one thing, it doesn't mean you have to. What really matters is how you apply yourself so take in as much as you can. You'll love the independence that university life brings, you'll love being an Orangeman.