University of Kansas Top Questions

The advice I have for current high school seniors amist their college search is simple: "just relax." It can be overwhelming for high school seniors to think about the decision that lay before them. Things such as majors, extracurriculars, friends, and financial aid all have an impact on their final decision. I was a Junior in high school when I began my college search. I had no idea where I wanted to go, what I wanted to do. During my high school career I was stressed out and overwhelmingly concerned with what my major would be and what I would get involved in. Now, almost three years later, I am involved in clubs that I never imagined I would be and I have switched my major three times. I realize that understanding the atmosphere of the university is the most important thing. I was able to discover the atmosphere through things such as campus visits and orientations. It is important to understand that the important things in college will come naturally, so just relax, and understand that after applying and visiting schools, filing for financial aid and scholarships, everything will come together naturally. This kind of outlook is very helpful.

I would tell myself to get more involved my first year of college in order to meet new people. There are several of organizations that you can get involved with and this will also help you make connections with people and become more familiarized and informed about the campus. Also, that it is extremely important to take the time to get to know your professors and to not be afraid to ask questions.

I would tell myself to take more math clases for the future as they are required for my degree. Additionally I would tell myself not to slack and stop staying up late so I can develop a sleep pattern. I would then tell myself to get out of my interpersonal shell more and be more friendly.

If i could give my high school self advise it would be to spend more time looking inside myself for happiness. Who you are friends with and where you shop are not the be all and end all of life. Take more time to do inner reflections and figure out what it is that you personally enjoy and aspire to be. Don't form yourself around the likes and dislikes of your classmates.

If I could go back in time and give advice to myself during my senior year in highschool, I most certainly would stressed the importance of having a high GPA rather than just passing classes, and that I will have alot more fun experiencing college life than I will goofing off in highschool, so in summation: "buckle down" early because it pays off when you get to college. I would have also advised myself to be more hasty in deciding what career I want to pursue in college, and to also participate in activities outside of school that relate to my current field of study, which is architecture.

do not be scared, this is the beginning of the rest of your life. Enjoy!!

I would tell myself that college is a lot of responsibility and takes up a lot of time, so I need to prepare myself, and become a responsible adult.

I would say to not feel dumb about wanting to go home. It is natural to miss home no matter how anxious you were to leave. Also, put school FIRST because everything will be more enjoyable when you don't have to worry about doing the work later.

Definitely visit the campus and talk to students currently in student housing. Student housing can make or break the college experience and I believe learning about it will be the most helpful in choosing a college.

I would tell myself to always communicate with my professors. If you are sick, or something comes up and you have to miss class, tell your teachers no matter what. They care about you and your grades, even if there are 800 other students in the class. They want you to do well, and attendance in a class can effect your letter grade. Going to class is always a smart thing to do, because no matter what, you will benefit from it in the end. I would tell myself that motivation is key when it comes to being a successful college student. You are the only person who can make yourself get up and be productive while attending school. You can not count on others to help you get through, it is all about self willpower to make it to graduation day.