University of Missouri-Columbia Top Questions

I would tell myself that it's not about your image kid. You need to stop worrying what other people think of you, or how "cool" you are. Think about yourself for a change, stop trying to impress people. Do things that make you happy, and do things because you want to do them whether they are cool or not. I would also tell myself that no matter how much Coach Skarbek or Coach Czart favors kids, stick with it. DO NOT QUIT FOOTBALL OR BASEBALL! There will be a day when you look back and say to yourself "I wish that I would have just played, instead of hating the coaches for favoring other kids." Sports are not just about who plays and who doesn't, they're more than that. They teach you about leadership, team skills, and being a family; developing bonds with people that at times you may not like. They teach you to look past the things you don't like about someone and cheer them on because for once, there is something bigger than you. You are not the center of everyone's attention, but you should be the center of your own.

In selecting a college, I believed I had my priorities in order for making the decision; I chose my school because it offered the best program for my intended major, Journalism. However, I neglected to account for how I would fit in with the school itself, academic piece aside. Sure enough, I discovered quickly that I was not meant to be in the field I originally thought, and found myself lost in a huge school in which I am still not sure I belong. The vast importance of faith in my life that I have held since I was very young was forgotten in my narrow-minded endeavor to pursue a successful career; this is the greatest regret I have to this day. Given the opportunity, I would tell my high school self to cling to the values and ideals engrained in me since childhood because it is only these that will allow me to be happy in this next chapter of my life. I am now in the process of transferring to the University of Dayton, and hopefully to an environment to which I better belong, but this could have been avoided had I remained true to myself originally.

I would give myself the advice to work harder on the athletic fields so I could have maximized my potential and potentially gotten an athletic scholarship. Secondly, I would've toured and visited more colleges, and also gone out more socially so I could've made some more friends. I was always a busy kid playing two varsity sports and didn't get to socialize much so I feel I missed out on a lot. However, I always did very well academically so it helped ease the sting a bit.

I would tell myself to start saving my earnings right now. Joining as many clubs and being a part of as many extra curricualr activities as possible would also help with applying for scholarships. Also, never ignore any scholarships; if you hear about it and are eligible to apply, apply. Have an open mind when applying to every college and never underestimate yourself when applying to a college that you think may not accept you. Last but not least, enjoy the summer before your freshman year and during orientation meet as many people as possible. Go into your freshman year with an open mind.

Prepare each class to the fullest.

I would advise myself on a couple of things. Firstly, it is important to be involved in campus life by some means or another. Studies and research have proven that a student more involved in their campus life is much more likely to succeed in their college career. I would also have told myself not to lose sight of the goal when tests seem daunting and papers are excriciatingly difficult to write. That feeling of accomplishment is entirely worth the painstaking hours it takes to get there. Fianlly, One of the most imporatnt things that I think I would tell my high-school self, is to embrace life, the world, and the opportunites provided to you. I tend to be somewhat shy and introverted by personality, however, I can now say from experience, what it can mean to put yourself out there. The situations that seems scary are generally the ones that have the most potential to make you a better and stronger person. The greatest thing that I have learned in the last few years is that you cannot sit around waiting for the world to happen to you, you have to go out and happen to the world.

If I was given the opportunity to talk to myself as a high school senior there would be so many things I would want to tell myself to prepare for the future and all of the struggles and blessings that would be in store for me as I made my transition into college life. The most important thing that I would want to tell myself is not to stress over the small things that may occur. In college I have learned that not everything can be perfect as much as you may try and the only way to truly succeed and make the transition correctly would be to do your best and if it happens not to be perfect, learn from your mistakes and try to do better the next time around. I believe this is a piece of advice that all high school seniors should take into account. It is their key to success when it comes to transitioning into such an important part of their life. Transitioning has a lot to do with the student's academics, but it also has a lot to deal with learning to keep a good head on your shoulders and staying calm.

Thinking about what I would say to myself as a high school senior is upsetting. I would tell myself that even though you might be able to afford you first choice school as of right now, you will get there. Attending your local community college won't be as bad as yyou think it is. You will have your friends and even make some new ones. The stress in your life will increase but in the end it WILL be worth it. Keep your head up, and don't slack off it will be worth it in the end.

If I could go back to my senior self in high school, I would tell her to relax and not to worry only about the academic part of getting accepted to college and succeeding. I focused so much time and energy to my school work, I forgot about my social life senior year and what I really enjoyed to do in my free time. I have learned through out college so far that my interests and hobbies can allow me to succeed just as much as my GPA can as well. I would tell myself to go hang out with friends for the weekend, it will be okay and that I could definitely make time to volunteer more in the community since I always really enjoyed that. College has taught to me to focus on ME, what is best for myself and to really learn how to grow as a person.

I would tell myself to jump in head first, but to remember that classes take time. I would encourage myself to be confident and to meet people. Most of all, I would try to make to make my former self enjoy the start of my time here. I spent a lot of time homesick and wishing for people or things that weren't here when I could have been making the most of all the amazing opportunities and people who are here at Mizzou.

Life is a journey, don't take it for granted! Enjoy every minute of it, but don't waste time thinking about the future...make the future happen. Don't be so quick to leave mom and dad you have no idea the wealth of knowledge they posess, and believe me they want to help you..they live for it. Be outgoing, take every opportunity you can get and use it to your advantage, you may never get it again. As cliche as it sounds, the truth is, school is so much easier when your young. The best advice I can give you Nicole is to finish school, and give it all you've got!

If I could go back and tell my high school self anything it would be to start looking for scholarships earlier. Also I would have taken classes that counted for dual enrolment, which is both high school and college credit. By doing this my financial situation would not look as bleak as it does. Also I would have done more research about other schools that have my field as an undergraduate program. I would have also told myself to come up to the school and speak with a financial advisor to see if there was more money available that I could possibly apply for. Most of the things I would have told myself have to do with the financial aspect of school, because this school is not cheap. And i really want to earn a degree from here.

Seek out scholarships. They're out there, but not easily available. Do better with your grades, because most scholarships are based on merit. Don't expect it to be a breeze like High School was. Just because you could easily ace classes without opening a book there does not mean that college will be the same way. You will have to study. You will have to work hard. But it will all be worth it because you will find out who you are and what your passions in life are. Chase after those things... not money alone.

If I could go back and give myself advice, I'd tell myself that scholarships are actually very important and not something to slack on. I would explain that good grades in high school are also very important to receiving more scholarships. I'd point out that I can't make friends in college by hiding behind my computer, and getting involved with activities on campus is actually pretty fun. I was a very stubborn person in high school and I didn't let my parents' push for good grades and scholarships get to me, but I regret it now. The only person that could get to me was me, so if I could go back and tell myself about the importance of trying for money-saving programs and getting involved, things would definitely be different now.

If I could go back and give advice to myself as a high school senior, I would say loosen up and have more fun. I was homeschooled since Junior High, and I really pushed myself myself in my senior year in high school. I wish I could have relaxed more. I had good grades, and I took the hard classes, so there was no reason to stress, but I did. Working hard and always doing my best has always been number one to me, but my senior year I stressed it was not enough. Worrying and over stressing myself did not accomplish anything, and I realize now that I should have enjoyed my last year of high school more. I am in my second semester in college now and I am still working hard and always doing my best, but I have learned to not stress over it and I do even better.

Take education serious. Get a mentor to follow you in college to be sure you succeed. It is never too late to finish college. It has teaken me 16 years to get it together . But I made it.

I would tell myself to work on studying even when i don't need to. Knowing how to study and when is the most important key to college success. Teachers will NOT tell you.

I feel like as a senior I was pretty well prepared for college, but I would have also told myself to be less nervous. I was very nervous because I was moving 400 miles away to a completely different state and culture (I'm originally from Chicago), and I was incredibly nervous about finding new friends. I have great friends back home, and I was nervous no one would like me in Missouri. I ended up making a group of friends within the first two weeks, and they remain my closest friends at school to this day. I would also tell myself to bring less stuff to college, because my dorm was incredibly full last year (and still is!). I would also tell myself that getting residency isn't horrible. While I didn't have a normal fun summer, I was able to work, have my own apartment for a few months, take classes, and gain Missouri residency, which lowered my tuition greatly. I was so depressed about having to spend my summer away from home, but I ended up going home more than I thought, and it wasn't nearly as terrible as I thought either.

Take as many dual credit classes as you can. It can take away a lot of stress off of graduating. It is also better for the money. When they say it is cheaper, they aren't kidding. I wish I would've taken the dual credit classes serious. I would also try to find my method of studying. Even though my classes were easy my senior year, I could have taken that time to try different things so I could prepare myself for what was to happen in college. I also wish I would have taken an advantage of the scholarship oppurtunities because it is more expensive then I thought it would be. My college experience would have been a lot easier my freshman year if I would have took my senior year seriously.

There are a couple of things I would advise myself to do before I actually went to college. To start off, I would give the advice to create good study habits early. If study habits are poorly developed, though it might slide in high school, it will not be sufficient in the strive to be successful at a University level. I would advise myself or even other high school seniors to work hard and create techniques for good studying. Another piece of advice I would give is to get involved. Whether it is with Greek life, work, major related groups or even church, all are great ways to connect with others, grow in leadership skills as well as preparation for a promising future.