University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Top Questions

College: a hearty blend of rigorous academia, social activity and new involvement. Your mission, Jessica, is to balance these. Easier said than done, I know, but to spare you some trouble I have two words: time management. Set goals, set an agenda with specific times, subjects and places for studies and activities. I got to college so keen on meeting people and getting involved that I inadvertently compromised some study time. Figure out what study habits work most effectively for you right away and stick to them. However, you want to enjoy your new surroundings, so be eager meet various people whether in your hallway or in student organizations (I joined 4 my first year!), keeping in mind that you can learn something from anyone and someone can something from you, too - what do you want that to be? You worked hard to get into Carlson, Jessica, and if you continue seizing leadership opportunities you'll eventually be a Community Advisor like me. But I don't want to give away too much, after all college is where you face challenges, excitement and carve your own path to discovery. Just be true to you, and I'll help you out.

If i could go back i would have told myself to take a year off inbetween highschool and college to explore the world, job options and opportunities that may expand my knowledge of what i REALLY wanted to do. Instead i followed the 'american way' and went straight to university. ALthough i had a great time and was extremely involved, i ended up with a BS in Sociology that does nothing and a lot of loans. Three years after graduating i have explored all corners of the globe, learned a lot about myself and what i want to do, and will now return to obtain a masters in public health. if i could have waited after highschool and learned a bit more about who i wanted to be i would not be stuck with the school debt and 'wasted time' from my undergrad. thanks!!

Be ready for a change. Make sure you have good communication with your parents and friends from hom that you're comfortable with. Be ready to put yourself out there and meet tons of new people. Be social, but also realize that you deserve good, positive people in your life and if someone is not in adherence with your morals or goals, find others that are.

The difference between college and high school is that there is a lot of independent studying of the material. If you don't develop good study habits early on, you'll won't succeed to the extent that you did in high school. Make as many connections as you can early on and don't get caught up in being lazy.

Be true to yourself.

Take nutritition classes early so you could have majored in it and if you think high school is stressful you will be ten times more stressed in college. Enjoy.

People should pick colleges that fit their needs and wants. Put in the effort to research schools that you are interested in, and if you know your major then make sure that those schools have that major. Make sure that you make an effort to explore campus and the surrounding area, and to meet new people. College is all about experiencing new things, but you don't want to go through it by yourself. Remember that you aren't the only new person to campus. Try new things and be yourself, but don't lose track of where you've come from either.

If I could send myself a message in fall of 2007, I would tell myself to relax about high school and enjoy the year. College is a constant bustle and I should have taken the time to relax and enjoy being with my family.

Do not worry too much. Yes, there is a lot you do not know, but there will be people to show you how to do the things you need to, and you will learn how to do the things you want to do yourself. Take extra time and look around to discover many of the resources available to you. Give in to the curiousity of all the different people. Remember that you will have a lot in common with a lot of people you can meet. You should not waste your time with anyone who seems dishonest or mean, time mangement will become much more important, there will always be more to do, but never more time to do it. Think about priorities. School work needs to be done, but you need to have fun as well, both on the weekends and in the little things throughout the day. Remember, all work and no play makes you dull. When making decisions, think critically about the positive and negative consequences, think about the possibility of you regretting the decision the next day, next month, or 10 years from now. Do not be overwhelmed. Above all, don't worry.. be happy.

I would give myself the advice of trying more new things in highschool that could further not only my learning abilities but social abilities too. In college, if you aren't outgoing its hard to meet new people. I would also tell myself that working hard senior year will pay off when I go to college. When I was a senior I thought it would be fine to slack off but it would have been helpful to get in the routine of working hard and giving it my all, so that when I go to college it will not be a drastic change!