Syracuse University Top Questions

Unfortunately, I did not get all four years of high school because of a financial problem my family was having so I was allowed to graduate early. This means that during my Junior year in high school I was also a Senior but did not get the pleasures of being a Senior. Since I have been in college for a few months now I have realized that it would have been easier for me now if I knew what classes to take. At first I planned on taking some AP classes during my Senior year but did not get the chance and did not get to learn everything i could. If I knew what classes I would be taking in college I would replace all the useless classes I took in high school so I would be better prepared.

On first thought, advice that I would give myself would be to start thinking about what I'd want to do, or major in, eariler. I came to Syracuse University without really having an idea of which direction to go in and I felt that had I begun thinking about it earlier, I would feel better about my academic career. However, if it so happened that I came to SU again without really knowing what I'd like to do, the advice I would give myself would be, not to be afraid to seek help and take advantage of the services on campus provided to me--such as the Center for Career Services. Stemming from this, I would tell myself to not be afraid to get involved in other ways on campus, whether it be in extracurriculars, or volunteer service; because it will be these types of experiences that add to and enhance the college experience.

I would tell myself to open myself up to the possibilities that will be provided to me. I would urge myself to try to not only study and analyze what I was provided (readings, projects, etc.) but ask myself what each individual piece meant in the larger scheme of my studies. I would ask myslef to understand that only by observing things with a curious scope may I succeed. Academic success cannot be measured by an understanding of the books laid in front of me, but by and understanding of why I need to understand it and how it fits into the larger scheme of my academic studies. I would also urge myself to be able to look beyond what academic resources was provided to me, and to look for my own answers. I would tell myself that professors only provide to you a basis of understanding, from which one builds up their own understanding of architecture. This is a time for development and understanding of myself, and I should treat my time here with respect. Learning is not limited to my time on the campus, but I can spend time outside of school to develop as an architect.

Make sure you start doing your homework. You can't learn in college with the same level of effort you put into high school. Engineering takes practice and focus in every single class. Do not procrastinate.

I would first tell myself that the feeling of not being able to live on my own without my mom is something that I will overcome. Basically I was afraid of getting sick and not having my mom around to take care of me. Next I would describe my classes to myself and certain stragies for success for example study skills that I picked up late in college and wished that I knew before entering college. As far as work is concerned I would advise myself about the different kinds of jobs on campus and give an honest oppinion about which job would best fit me. Since I would ultimatly go to the same university I would love to describe in my own words the look and feel of my college. Particularly because I did not have the funding to come and visit the college while I was in high school. Lastly I would introduce myself to the friends that I have in college now that way I could have started off college not feeling lonely.

If I went back in time knowing what i know now, i would tell myself this: This is going to be the hardest , but the most rewarding years of your life. You will have to face living on your own, making payments, doing well in classes, and keeping up with friends, all at the same time. You are not going to like your room mate freshman year, and while it will be the hardest situation, you will learn more about yourself than anyother time in your life. So you dont become instant bestfriends with your roommate, you will istead meet the best friends you have ever known with the girls down the hall. Be strong in what you believe even if what you believe is changing, however dont let that change be because of anyone but yourself. These are the shortest years of your life, dont ever take it for granted. Good Luck.

I would tell myself to get as involved as possible early in the school year. This makes the transition from high school to college much easier. You make friends and learn things from upperclassmen to help you get comfortable. Also I would tell myself not to be afraid of trying new things. There will be many new opportunities in college, so take advantage of as many of them as you can. Also, make sure that even if you do become involved with sports, music, or clubs, do not forget that school work comes before anything. It is important to have good grades and a high GPA to obtain internships and future jobs. As soon as internship opportunities become available, take advantage because real world experience is also very important in obtaining a job after graduation.

Question: What advice would I give myself if I could go back to my senior year of high school, while still retaining the knowledge I have now about my college experience thus far? I know that I make transititions from school to school slowly. I knew that in high school and I still knew it coming into college. However, I would tell myself to be sure about the decisions I would make about college and that I do not always need to listen to the professor or academic advisor. My freshman year of college my advisor told me to take seven classes...this was a mistake and I would advise myself not to do that. Also, I would not repeate classes for which I received a C or better. Beginning at the very first lecture of college, I would tell myself to always take active notes and to review the notes right after class as well as begin the homework. If there is something that I do not understand that I should immediately go to the professor or get a tutor until understand the matial. Do not wait until I feel farther behind. But also, get involved and have fun.

I would say to find a balance between academics sports and social life as soon as possible. I would remind myself that even though there are opportunities for great social freedom at SU, you can easily lose track of your academic goals. I would advise myself to put myself out there and make more friends freshman year. I would preach the importance of not just learning academic material in class, but also learning about who you are as a person outside the classroom. I would remind myself that college is the best time of your life, and even if you have to go through failures academically, socially, and athletically, you will adapt and find a way to become a better person through those experiences. Lastly I would advise myself to appreciate and cherish every moment I'm here at school, because it will be done with sooner than I expect.

Be comfortable with who you are and don't be afraid. You don't have to know everything about who you are, but know what you stand for, don't let the people you meet define you. My biggest advice is don't be afraid. Don't be afraid to say hi to someone new, when you are a freshman at a new school that is the perfect opportunity to walk up to someone and introduce yourself, especially in your classes. As a freshman it's important to realize that eveyone is in the same boat, nobody has their "click" formed yet so saying hi doesn't hurt. Sit next to someone new in class and introduce yourself; that person could end up being your best friend. Don't be afraid to ask for help either, college is different and there is nothing wrong with asking for help. Meet your professors and make yourself known; ask them questions when you have them. Don't be afraid to step up and get involved with anything that intersets you, you might meet new awesome people by getting involved with something.