Syracuse University Top Questions

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school senior year self, I would tell her to get involved in as many clubs as possible. The best way to transition into a new and somewhat frightening environment such as college is to put yourself out there and meet as many new people as you can. That way she could forge new bonds with people who are different from her. I would also tell her to remain in contact with old high school friends because some of those people will be there for her throughout the rest of her life.

Rachel, just remember that college is for furthering your education and not just partying. Sure, you want to have fun and enjoy college while you can, but stay out of trouble. It is possible to have a blast and be a good student. Be careful about the people you hang out with, because you will be and act like your friends. Be a good friend to others and encourage them to work hard and achieve their goals. Uphold good character, and remember the golden rule. Today, the world tells you to do everything for yourself, and in fact you should not neglect yourself, but don't hurt others in the process. People will remember you by how you treated them. Be careful with your money, and don't go to the mall every weekend. You must remember that all the money you take out in loans has to be paid back after school. Above all, stay focused on your homework! Trust me, you will never regret putting your best effort into your education, but I guarantee you will regret it if you don't! The decisions you make today will affect you tomorrow and even in the years to come.

So you’re off to college, and that’s pretty cool. But get ready. Your life will never be the same again. This is an incredible stage of life, and what everyone has been telling you is true- it will be one of the best times of your life. So make the most of the moments you have, but keep your priorities straight. The most important thing for you to do right now is to learn and grow. But I’m not talking about from classrooms. I’m talking about from the world, from experiences, and from other people. Do your best to keep an open mind, and try to see things from other people’s perspectives. Question everything, think for yourself, take risks, and face your fears. Get out of your comfort zone- as often and for as long as you can. That’s where you’ll learn the most about life and yourself. Find out who you are and what makes you happy, and then enjoy yourself. Remember that bad decisions often make the best stories, but consequences are real. Life will change faster and more often than ever before, so strap in. College is a wild ride.

My experience of going back to college in my later twenties has given me great perspective. If I could go back in time I would tell myself to actually learn in high school. It was easy for me to skate by with As and not actually absorb any information. Having a base of knowledge in history and chemistry from highschool would have been very beneficial.

First and foremost -- don't panic! Thinking about college can be overwhelming, because there are just so many choices to consider, and uncertainties to ponder. What will it be like? Will I be able to handle it? This is normal, and everyone experiences it. The bottom line is: You are a capable young adult, and you will be just fine. It will certainly be challenging, but it will also be truly enjoyable and rewarding. This is your time to learn what the world has to offer you, and - most importantly - to learn about yourself. College will be filled with new and exciting experiences, new places and new people, and it will be up to you to decide what your experience will be. The important thing to remember is that you don't have to have it all figured out right this minute. You can simply take it as it comes, day by day. Follow your heart and your instincts, and see where they take you. Work hard, rest and eat well, and use the plethora of resources that your campus will have available to you. They won't be hard to find. Have fun, but not TOO much. :)

If I could go back, I would tell myself to keep pushing hard but also to relax. College is really tough, and focusing hard in high school all the way to the finish line would have been really helpful, rather than pushing myself up until maybe only May of senior year, but college is also supposed to be some of the best years of your life. If I went back, I would remind myself to keep a more open mind for the first few days, and realize that this is a big part of my life and I need to make the most of it. Despite being unable to travel back in time and tell myself what to be ready for, I feel I've made the transition quite well. :)

I would tell myself to work hard and to never give up on something you started. do all your homework and dont even slack once because you are bound to do it again. Dont let personal issues get in the way of school, school is more important than that right now. keep looking forward to your goal and never stray away from it. Work hard and study as much as you can. Start a project as soon as it is given to you, that way you have more time to do better work. do not procrastinate and turn all your homework in on time. College is hard, harder than highschool and there will be times when you think that you will not be able to do something or finish, but don't give up because it will lead to a better carreer and life.

As a senior, I was terrified of the future. I didn't even want to tell people where I applied out of fear that I wouldn't get in or wouldn't be able to afford it. One year later, I am so glad I took the risk. I would tell my high school senior self to go for it. I'd say that no one achieves anything by hiding and missing out. I would tell myself that going to Syracuse University was the best decision of my life. I gained an irreplaceable experience, independence, confidence and lifetime friends. I'd tell myself that the friends I meet in college would save me after the loss of my father and that going away would actually help me through the ordeal I would tell myself not to be afraid of leaving and going out into the real world because I am actually a stronger person because of it. Finally, I would tell myself that everything happens for a reason. If I get accepted into my dream school, it must be because I belong there and that I should have no fear.

If I could travel back in time and talk to myself as a senior, I would say many things. The first thing I would say is to make your own decisions, not to let anyone else influence you. People would always follow what I do because I was looked upon as an idol for the younger kids. Halfway through my senior year I began letting down my guard and others influenced me more than I realized. I would slow down and focus on my studies, this way I could possibly receive some academic scholarships. When it came to looking at colleges, I would take more into consideration versus going somewhere based on looks. I went to college based on someone else wanting me to and it lead to failing classes and taking out a loan. I would definitely explore things on my own and do what I feel is right. Do it for myself so I could enjoy college as you’re supposed to. What I would give to have this information when I was a senior!

If I had the opportunity to go back to my high school senior self, I would not make many changes. The most important advice I would give is to buy more heavy jackets for the winter season. Though, I would not change a thing for many reasons. My first year is almost coming to an end and I had gained more than what I had bargained for. I was a quiet person back in high school and knowing myself, if I were to tell myself to be open and willing; chances are I would not. Just the fact that I would force it and things would not happen naturally. The experiences I had the pleasure of experiencing this year was all because I did not know what was coming for me. I took it day by day and that was what made everything exciting. It was exciting because I did not know how it was going to end, or how it would work out. I would not change a thing about that, because of that it gave me the best first year college experience I could ever ask for.