Temple University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Temple University know before they start?

Tayyaba

If I could go back and talk to myself, there would be so much to tell. I would say that college is definitely not like high school and that I will have to work much harder. I should know exactly what I want to study. Then figure out exactly what classes I need to take and how my course schedules should look like in college. The most important is to research which courses are required for the major I choose and to stay committed to them. I should know what take and be ready to take these courses.

John

College is a totally different world of learning. High School seniors should really consider it being a part of their life for the following years after their high school years. It is a big change and a good change. It is part of growing up and maturing to get to your dream in life. College is something everyone should consider. It is a big adjustment. It is fun. The transition comes natural after just being there the first semester. There is a lot of work but it is enjoyable. You feel like a different person in college. It is something everyone should experience and succeed in.

Christina

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would simply tell myself to relax. I was very mature about handling the transition into college life, and I was more than ready to be out of my parents house and living on my own. However, I think that I was too obsessed with taking college placement exams and taking as many Advanced Placement courses as I felt I could handle. If I had known how many of my AP credits would only count as electives, I would have had much more time to participate in more extracurricular activities, do more community service, and build stronger relationships with my friends. Rather than focusing all my efforts on my strengths in academics, I could have stepped outside of my "comfort zone" more and shaped myself as a more well-rounded individual. I would also encourage myself to go out on informational interviews with local actuaries to learn more about the industry. As I am now preparing to take my first actuarial exam this summer, I will soon be eligible for intern positions as an actuary.

Alison

Have patience, lots of patience because people will act like children while saying that they are adults. Listen to your instincts, not all friends are good roommates and not all roommates will be your best friend. Appreciate your quiet time. Even though you are ready to move as far away as possible, remember who truly loves you. People sense fear, so be yourself and let others worry about their own inadequacies. Life does not always go the way we plan, so breathe, take a step back, and continue on your journey. Lastly, sometimes the road less traveled will lead you to hidden treasures, unfortunately other times you may end up in the ghetto. Either way make the most out of the experience, but make it a quick experience in the ghetto.

Courtney

Ten months ago, you would have met a nervous, anxious stressful senior, who was in the process of making one of the biggest decisions in her life: college. Now, you would meet a completely different student who is in their second semester of their freshman year. The transition from a high school senior, to a college freshman can be draining. One of the biggest transitions I have failed to be successful at is being finically responsible. Although working constantly in the summer to be prepared for college, I was never aware of how expensive college actually is. Clubs, books, intramurals, and Greek life, all come at a cost. High school does not give you that finical warning. Another transition that was hard to be made was leaving home, and living on my own. I have always been independent, but never to this extent. There really is nothing that can prepare you for the transition from home to college. The advice for that is to let everything fall into place, and never give up. College is supposed to be hard at first, but everything will always get better.

Jessica

This is my advice. The transition to college is an extreme change, and college itself is an entirely new world, separated from everything you know and are comfortable with. Going to college I had this grand picture of what I wanted college to be. Arriving at college was unnerving when my dreams were not replicated in real life. Everything was so different, and I was alone. The thing about college is that you cannot sit in your room and wait for everything to pass by. Things will not fit your exact expectations, but you have to make things work for you. Give yourself time to adjust. Take things slow, and try to experience everything you can. Eventually, with your efforts, things will fall into place. Allow things to surprise you and work out in their own way.

Shante

First and foremost I will encouraged myself as a senior to improve on my study habits and get a clear understanding that in college there is no teacher standing over your shoulders to keep you focused what your responsibilities are. Everything you do - because you want to do it. Professors could care less - they give you the job or task and its your responsibility to complete it. I would encourage myself to consume everything that is given to me by my high school teachers because somewhere down the line I will see it again. I would encourage myself to apply for as many scholarships and grants that I possibly can - this way my financial burden would be so hard once I began attending Temple University. The stress level of trying to pay for college is depressing. The money you spend on higher education is outrageous and you alone are responsible for paying it back. I would encourage myself and constantly remind myself that eventhough I will have difficult times during my college years.... that if I believe strong enough I can complete any task thrown my. Stay Focus, Stay Focus, Stay Focus, Stay Focus, Stay Focus!!!

Kamarr

If I can back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would better prepare myself. I would mainly tell myself that time management is a very important key in college. Procrastination is the death of a college student. I would then explain to myself that in order to get the best out of college you should get involved early, college is not as long as you think it is. Finally I would then explain that college is not just further education it?s much more than that, college is a community of the future CEO?s, architects, artist, etc. With that said it?s important that you do the best you can academically and network to give yourself as much advantages as you can.

Alison

If I was able to talk to my high school self, I would definitely tell myself to focus. Focus on academics, focus on my social life, and most importantly to focus on the balance of both of those things. It is incredibly important to me to have a successful college experience, and I feel that both aspects need to be in harmony in order for that to happen. I would also tell myself to become more involved in student organizations and activities earlier in my college career. I am currently a member of a few organizations, but I feel like I would feel more fulfilled if I had known about them earlier. Most importantly, I would remind myself not to worry, and to take everything one step at a time. Classes, exams, art projects, deadlines, applications, presentations - everything, step-by-step. I would remind myself not to take on too much at once and to budget my time better, in order to make my experience at Tyler School of Art and Temple University the best experience of my life to date.

Kelly

one thing that I would strongly urged is to not stress over what you want to be in life because that is what college is for. College is the definition of oppurtunity to wander. You get to open your mind and actually enjoy learning. Definitely take advantage of the experience. As a First generation college student, i had no idea what the experience would be like and now, onto my second semester, I will for sure tell you now that you work hard and play hard. It is one of the experiences that your life needs to feel complete when you're older. Getting to meet new friends while living on your own gives you your space to roam the world and truly learn from your experiences.

Rebecca

Ok Rebecca its me who is you from the future. I am here to tell you some important thing that will help you in your decision making for the years to come. First of all before you graduation check to see what is it in life that you really want to study in college. If you have no idea go to college part time, so that you don't waste government money from your grants to pay for school. In Addition to the grant if its free take it. If your tuition is paid for, still look for free college money Do not take out a loan unless you have to. College is nothing like high school. Don't register for over 4 classes like I did my first semester. When you do start college make the time to study and avoid friends and family that will stop you in your tracks. Don't party all night long with college friends. This may interfer with your study habits and grades. If you have question about a subject go to your professor and ask. College is not so bad as long as you get the right help fromthe right people.

William

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would put myself on a whole new track to success. The first thing I would say is to be more social. I am in my third year and highly regretting not meeting more people. In my field of Film and Media Arts it is a huge help and boost in the industry if you make ties with people of the same interest. I believe more use of the people in your field of work can increase your knowledge and in my case, production. Another thing I would tell myself is to manage my time more effectively. I don't have a lot of money coming from home and regret using countless hours lounging and doing nothing, instead of going out and making films or working at a paying job. Now I struggle for every dollar just to pay the month's rent. These pieces of advice would have advanced me so much further in my career and although my time in college is running short, I still strive to push towards my goals and will leave this advice to anyone who plans on attending.

Kateryna

I would mention to myself tha learning is everything in this life. Learn the most out of what is given and learn outside the school homeworks. Do a lot of research to teach yourself and to prepare yourself for tommorow. No pain, no gain. Read a lot of material, especially in the fieald that you are interested in, it will come in a long run. Volunteer and participate outside of school. Be the best that you can without holding back.

Gabriella

If i where to go back to being a highschool senior i would do certain things differently. When i was a senior in highschool i thought i was going to have fun in college, meeting people, living on my own, ect. Like most Seniors, after i got into my college of choice i started not to care about the last few months of highschool. If i were to give myself any piece of advice, it would be to remain focused up until graduation. In college i took courses that were classes i took in my senior year of highschool. If i had remained focused, my college course would have been simplified or i could have had the oportunity to place out of the certain class. I would also give myself the advice to enjoy the rest of highschool, because once you are in college you are on your own. In college you are your own motivator, not parents, teachers, or friends.

Kiersten-Lee

If I could go back in time and speak to myself as a High School Senior, I would instruct myself to breathe. The period of time between high school graduation and entering a university as a freshmen, is one of the most tumultuous and taxing experiences a teenager faces in their short eighteen years. It's like one big race to the proverbial finsih line. Get your diploma, know where you want to spend the next four years, know what you want to do with the rest of your life and begin to make it happen! Go, go, go! If I could turn back the clocks, I would look myself in the eyes and remind myself to b r e a t h e , because the only important thing you have to do is to walk through those university gates with an open heart and mind. If you don't stress about the little things and relax as a blank canvas, success will find its way straight to you. There is nothing expected of you but to be yourself and who you truely are will find its way out on its own time, so just breathe.

Dannielle

Dannielle, you need to focus more even though you already got accepted to your number one school in December that does not give you a reason to slack. You need to finish the year with a bang, keep studying and do well on your final exams. College is a different experience there will be no time to slack off and your professors will not be as nice or personal as your teacher are here in high school. They do not take and if's, ands, or but's. There are no do overs in college, if you fail a class you get no credit and you have to take the course again. Buckle down and keep your study habits strong they will help you so much when you get to Temple, even in math your most hated subject.

Renee

If I could go back in time to give my high school self advice, i would say, " don't change one thing". I believe that everything happens in the order it happens in for a reason. I love my life now. I love all of the community service I do and all of the people that i have met, have made an impact on my life.

Tommy

Do not think that you can survice in college with the mindset of an high school student. High school is totally different from College. Be ready to face many challeneges such as college exams, assignment deadline, and group work. Make sure you find the right friends that are motivating to do well in college and not fall with the wrong crowd. Find friends that are willing to do group studys, friends that would give you a hand if you are behind, or friends that you know have the same mind set to do well in college. Make sure you talk to staffs and your counselor to find opportunties for study session, summer interns, and other scholarships beside this one. Luckily, I was able to find out about this scholarship through my counselor at Temple University.

Taylor

Taylor, I know you have big plans and dreams that you hope to make come true one day, and you are eager to get out and see the world. At the same time, you need to make sure you are taking care of your responsibilities right now, otherwise you will not be able to pursue your dreams. You need to utilize the talents that you have to be successful. Make sure that you do all of your homework, pay attention in class, and do your best at everything. If not, you might just end up sitting at home after you had just been laid off half way through what would have been your freshman year in college. Most Importantly, never believe anybody who tells you you can not do something. There will be coaches, teachers, and peers who tell you that , "You Can't," but that never means you should give up. If you believe in yourself and know you can do something, you can do anything. Do not let them shoot down your dreams. With that said, you now see what it takes to be successful. Work hard, never give up, and believe in yourself. Learn from my mistakes.

Cady

College is a whole lot different than high school. You have to make your own decisions and accept the good or bad consequences that come with them. Looking back at my senior year in high school, I definitely thought college was going to be a breeze first semester; I was wrong. I ended up skipping a few classes and not studying to my full potential. I quickly realized this after the first few weeks and a couple quizzes. I would tell my high school self, do not procrastinate and live up to what you know you can do. You are an adult now and you want to show not only your professors but yourself that you can do it. Being the first girl to go to college in the family is a great honor and you know you can accel at anything you strive to do. So, go to class, perk up, and take good notes. You don't have "senioritis" anymore. Do what you could've done better in high school. It may be a lot of work, but it will definitely show in the end on that spectacular job resume.