Syracuse University Top Questions

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.