University of Missouri-St Louis Top Questions

If I could go back in time I would tell myself to definitely apply for the school I want to go to so I can be sure that I'll have a better chance of getting into it. I would also have applied for a lot more scholarships than I did and submit my FAFSA sooner. I'd think more carefully about moving to campus or staying at home for school.

Take your time, and don't compete with anyone but yourself. Learn your pace and own it, and if following the suggested curriculum to graduate on time means that you have to take more classes than you can handle, it may also mean that you are setting yourself up for failure by setting unrealistic expectations. Take the time you need to learn the material even if you have to take two or three classes at a time, in the long run what matters is that you are paying for an education and not for a degree, so instead of rushing through this life changing experience for the sake of keeping up with your peers, take it all in, savor it and get your money's worth. Find a study group or form one, and look for help if you struggle, ask questions in class and don't let your pride get in the way of your success. Lastly have fun! Get involved, volunteer and make lifelong connections. Enrich your life with experiences inside and outside of the classroom. Learn to recognize the best in every situation, in everyone you meet, and celebrate what makes you great.

College in general is harder than high school. If I could go back, I would pay more attention in my classes and take more time to study. I would also take some harder classes, such as AP classes, so it would be easier for me to transition into college. Most of my classes in high school didn't require the 10 or more hours to study per week per class, therefore taking some AP classes would've helped my greatly in college. I would've also done so, so I wouldn't have to take those classes in college and it would've put me further in my college education and I could get to my dreams quicker. The advice I would give myself was to not be afraid to make new friends, feeling free to approach my teachers and create relationships with them from the beginning, and so on. Many college classes are large and a relationship with the teacher is hard to have; I would tell myself that it's important to make myself known and make a good first impression with the teacher.

If I could go back to the times of my high school days I would scribble some words on several post-it notes. I would place these notes in all of my school binders and notebooks. Each time my past self opened her notebook, she would always see the scribes of guidance: "Your life will be filled with more downs than ups. Things will always get worse before they get better. With this in mind, never let a setback make you sit back. Beyond each obstacle lies the strength to tackle the next task. You stink of potential and you’re too intelligent to be stopped. You'd better get going. Letters will open doors.”

Looking back at my transition into college, I would tell myself to be more proactive with seeking advice not only from advisors, but from teachers that I felt a connection with as well in order to make the most of my experience. Even though I always excelled at and enjoyed school, senioritis was a very real experience for me. I had little motivation to prepare for college when all I wanted to think about was finishing high school. Seeking support would have been valuable in helping me find some direction before entering college especially since my parents did not attend college and could not offer me the guidance that I needed. For students who are still undecided on a major, volunteering, joining clubs, and getting a wide variety of experiences can help you discover your interests and your skills, which I have since learned on my own, but am sure advisement would have gotten me there quicker. Not only is floating through college without a specific purpose costly, it can be frustrating. There are so many resources available, but you have to be proactive in order to discover all that is offered.

I would tell myself that the degree is what matters, not the institution. I would say that it would be surprising how much of an influence the relationships you have in your life matter in a positive way. I would tell myself to start my college education at UMSL and to have continued my graduate degree at the same institution, because the debt that I have incurred for my Masters degree is not worth it. I would tell myself not to look down upon a state institution's satellite campus because each institution has something to offer you.

The advice I would give myself as a high school senior would be to go to the college that I was given the full ride to. I would also tell myself to live on campus and involve myself more in school activities so I am more involved in the school itself and have a social life. This would make my college experience even better.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior, the first thing I would tell myself is to not give up. That everything that one does their senior year makes a huge difference. To use all the negativity that was giving to me though out high school to make me stronger. Growing up now, and with the friends I have now I have learned to use someone being negative to me as competition to try harder to prove them wrong. If someone tells you that you can’t do something or that you are going to fail, the best thing to do is to prove them wrong. Get out there and not only do it but do it well. That is the best satisfaction you can receive. Overcome what others think and do what you need to do to get ahead in life to make your dreams come true.

As a senior I probably should have studied harder. I would have actually studied harder for the ACT because i am taking basic classes that I can't test out of that i could have opted out of if I did better on my ACT. I also would not have been such a slacker because in college I am picking up on bad habits in the classroom that are hindering my performance. I would have talked to my parents about tutoring in math so I completely understand what it is that I am doing in class. Another thing I would have done in high school is make friends. There are so many kids at my college from my high school that I have never said two words to that probably could have helped me out a whole lot now that I am in college.

I would tell my High School self to get involved more at school. There were alot of extra curricular activities that I could have joined but decided that they did not look too fun. I realize now that those activities did not have to be entertaining rather they would be beneficial when applying for colleges and scholarships. I would also tell myself to apply for as many scholarhips that I could have. Know I am in my second year and am looking to attend a more respected all be it a more expensive University, I am struggling to come up with the appropriate funds to attend. The final piece of advice that I would tell myself would be to become more social. College is what you make of it and if you study and work all the time, the transition will be harder and duller if you do not take the opportunity to meet new people and soicalize a little.