University of Nebraska-Lincoln Top Questions

The one major thing I would tell my senior self would be to take it easy on the pushups. I was enlisted in the Air Force set to leave for bootcamp in August. That summer I did nothing but pushups and run. All those pushups caused a fracture in my shoulder that needed surgery and resulted in me being taken out of the military. I would also tell myself to spend more time with your friends and not your boyfriend. Also that boyfriends do not matter and you need to enjoy high school with friends. One last thing I would say would be to get a less scratchy prom dress..that thing was a nightmare!

If I could go back and give myself some advice I would have three very important things to tell myself. The first thing that I would tell myself is to not be afraid to ask questions. It took me two semesters to muster up the courage to ask questions when I was confused because I was afraid of being judged by others. What I often found out was other people had the same questions. I would also tell myself of how important it is to always read the textbook, and don't assume the Powerpoint covers all the material to be tested. Most teachers test based on the textbook, and not their slides. Always read before class and come to class with questions. Lastly, I would also tell myself to not take everything so serious. Study hard, and focus on school-work but don't overthink the tests! If I had that advice my first semester, I think I would have had a better first year of College!

I would tell myself to be brave to take a chance with something, do something that I thought I wasn't capable of doing. I would tell myself to just put myself out there and even if I look like a fool, it would be worth it. I would tell myself to go out of my way and experience everything I had the opportunity to. Run for class president, try out of the dance team, I would tell myself to make my highschool years count, because these years set the tone for your college years and I would want to be apart of something.

Breathe, you will be stressed but you need to take a step back and just relax. Go to the gym when you get this way, it helps. Your classes are going to be hard but put in more effort than you need. Make a schedule so you do everything that needs to be done in your freetime instead of sitting around not doing anything. Another thing, take time for yourself, you're going to me people, friends and possible significant others, but you need to focus on yourself and your grades before getting involved in yourself. Those people you first meet aren't the ones you want to be around, you'll see that. Call mom more often, she needs that just as much as you do. Now there's a lot more but those things have to be experienced without advice. After all of this, take a breath, step back from everything, and relax.

Say yes. College presents you with so many new opportunities that just aren't available in high school. Once you get to college you will be bombarded with clubs asking you to join, greek life, honors, sports teams all looking for members. With all these new clubs and a new environemnt and new classes and people surrounding you, it may be in your best interest to join these clubs and sports team, it will make the transition from high school to college much easier. My advice to myself would be to say yes more. Life becomes way more interesting and fun once you start saying yes.

Some advice I would give myself if I could go back to my senior year of high school would be to maybe take my freshman year of college off so I can save up money and to be much more flexible in my schedule on a day to day basis. I would tell myself these things, because from personal experiences I have dealt with the past year and a half, this would make my college experience much more enjoyable and easy. Although, I knew some of these things as a senior in high school, I never took it seriously. I don't remember why I never took it seriously, but now I realize my actions that didn't take back then are effecting my current college career.

Dear High School Senior Me, First of all, you aren't a Senior anymore- brace yourself to be back to not knowing anything. At college you don't know the short cuts to get to class on time or know which teachers are really nice to stressed students. You're a college Freshman now! But before your go getting all freaked out, remember this- you survived your first time being a freshman. Not only did you survive, you thrived. You nailed high school and now its time to nail college too. Don't worry about the dorms- they're pretty intuitive. You eat, you sleep, you play games in the hallways and lounges. Get to know your floor- don't be afraid to go around and start new conversations. Make sure you go around and find your classrooms BEFORE the first day of class. If you have a friend who's a year ahead, get them to show you around campus and name all the buildings. It'll make all the difference when you're running late one your first day. College is going to be so much fun. Don't be worried or scared. You got this.

I went to college with the idea of making a whole new set of friends, and leaving all my high school friends behind. Not only was this a bad idea, but it didn't work. One of my best friends that I've even been living with for two years now is a friend I have known since I was six years old. Unfortunately I did burn enough bridges to lose contact with some of the best people I've ever known. So I suppose my advice would be, "We all change, mature and move in different directions after high school, but don't forget that your high school friends saw you through all your awkward phases and bad style choices and still loved you the same. So go make new friends and start the next phase of your life, but don't burn the bridges that take you home."

I would tell myself not to stress out so much about choosing the "right" school. No matter where you go, you will meet people who make you feel welcome and at home. Don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone more, but keep being involved with the activities you loved in high school. I would convince myself to stick to my morals and values, because most (if not all) of them will be challenged within the first semester of going off to college. Make sure you have a solid work ethic in place and be prepared to spend at least twice as much time studying here as you did in high school, but also make sure to leave some free time to explore and make an adventure out of being at a University.

Hey, yeah you! Move two rows up and three seats to the left! Not only are you sitting directly in the middle of the room, but that boy is pretty cute, too. Making new friends might be the hardest part of moving away, but just remember that everyone is in the same boat. It's scary to be away from the familiarity of old pals and

Carrying a planner that’s only been used for 2 months before finals, I would have my highschool self close his new laptop, give him the planner to fill out for the upcoming semester. After teaching him how to write simple dates for projects and homework, I’ll explain the UNL blackboard system. The main advice is all of his homework would be assigned on this system, and more importantly where his work would be submitted. I’d love him to avoid sleepless nights and be more relieved that he did quality work. The second piece of advice would be shocking to any gifted student taking AP classes. Read you books. “You bought them, you own them, you should actually read them,” is exactly what I would tell him. Knowing myself pretty well, I’d give him an example about the time my grades jumped straight from a B- to an A upon reading the book and using it as a study source. Last piece of advice would be to relax. Meaning he should hang out with friends or pick up a cup of tea after classes. Anything to keep his mind away from stress and focus on the experience.

If I could go back to high school and prepare myself better I would practice my presentation skills and the ability to talk in front of people. I would also tell myself to apply for more scholarships. Also, I would tell myself to go into college with an undeclared major and take time to explore all of my options. The last thing I would tell myself is to go into college with an open mind, and do the best that I can.

I would tell myself not to worry so much. It is okay not knowing the whole entire future. Really, only one person does, and He if thinks it best not to tell then there must be a pretty darn good reason. So embrace the mystery of it. Enjoy your senior year- the last time you put on the old blue and gold jersey for the team in the State race. The last time you hearing of Mr. O’Malley’s inspiring stories. The very last time you sit in Physics and hear 3 o’clock bell …because those lasts will soon turn to firsts. First college race, first cool professor, first ever class at University of Nebraska. And as for picking a college, don’t be too obsessed of the name and “brand” it carries. You always knew before happiness can’t be bought, don’t try and change that now. Instead focus on the place that wants you there. Make it a place that sees you as more than an ACT or GPA or mile time. Make it a place where you know that you are part of. And make sure the incoming freshman can feel the same way.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself not to give up. I have a diagnosis of Auspergers, but back then it went undiagnosed. I struggled with grades even though my tests where great and believed that maybe school just wasn't my thing. Now, going through college, I learned there are resources out there to help people with troubles like mine and am currently an A student. People are willing to help, if I'm willing to ask for it. If I hadn't given up, my grades would have matched my testing scores and felt like I had more of a chance at school so I would have graduated on time and went to college sooner and with confidence.

Look for scholarships now, and look everywhere. College is a great time to learn and grow as a person, and this joy is only amplified by the lack of debt you are accumulating. Your grades are important, but now what matters are your AP or college level classes. Just like high school courses in junior high, those grades are coming along with you into your next academic chapter. When it comes to getting into the college of your choosing, find out what matters to you most and highlight these passions. A 4.0 or greater only does so much, and honestly it does a lot less than you might have been hoping. From high school, the most important trait to carry over into college is a willingness to do the work, avoid procrastination, and take notes correctly. You are going to be adults and teachers will treat you as such. If its going to be late, let them know it is coming; however, do not offer an excuse on why it is late. Independace can be frightning, and if you find yourself drowning dont wiat; find help. You are independant, but you are not going through this alone.

Do not be scared to declare to a degree and try something you think you might like. Dont let any opportunities pass by as they may come once and be once in a lifetime. Do not be afraid to leave the country and get out of your comfort zone as it will only make you a better person. Leaving the country gives you a true feel for how great your life really is. The most important advice I have is don't be afraid to get a second opinion about your grades and classes. Going to more than one advisor is okay. My general education advisor was not very helpful and actually had me take classes that I did not need. Another huge point of advice is make sure to keep yourself involved with campus and go to social gatherings provided by your campus. Everyone needs the down time to collect themselves and needs the social sense of belonging. You will also be suprised when you meet some of the best friends in your life. My best advice is don't go through college doing things you think your parents want you to be be yourself. My biggest mistake.

I would tell myself to apply to more scholarships, and work hard on the ACT. Grades got me some scholarships, however, the ACT scores really helped others get scholarships. I put more focus on my grades on not practicing for the ACT, and this is why I didn't get as many scholarships as I would have needed.

If I could go back and talk to my high school self, I would tell myself to be more prepared. Being in high school I had honors and AP classes that I felt would help me have a better feeling of what my college courses would be like. Upon being in college I realized it is not the same. I would explained to myself that college is hard and if not approached in the right way it can be stressful. I would let myself know that I should have been applying for scholarships during the same time I was applying for colleges, and that it is going to be an adjustment of putting yourself in the right mindset and come to terms with the fact that you don't have your parents in your face reminding you to do homework and to keep up with your stuff. To me this would have been helpful advice to receive before coming to college.

If I was able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior knowing what I know now about college life and the transition needed to be made, the advice I would give myself is be prepared and willing to let go of any form of immaturity. I see far too many Freshman students come into college with a high school mindset which often times affects their academics negatively. College is a whole new world which is put in place to help a person develop and advance in order for them to be better equipped to take on life's challenges. Utilize your networking skills as College is a very large and diverse community. Become aquainted with professors and other college students from different backgrounds. Also, don't be intimidated by the volume and level of work required of you to produce. All those years in high school were implemented in you for a reason. Stay focused, never lose sight of what your dreams are, work VERY hard and stay humble.

I would tell myself to not stress about majors freshman year. Focus on getting good grades during the required courses. I would focus more on job shadowing rather than having a job that first year. Hopefully through job shadowing, you will be able to find the career that is right for you. Another tip I would tell myself is to make sure to leave your dorm room door open. That is the greatest and easiest way to meet people on your floor and make lifelong friends. This is also a great way to meet people in your major and to find study partners or groups. Also, always be early for class and get to know your professors. They are the best way to get great reference letters for internships, jobs, or scholarships down the road. Visit office hours, speak up in class, and do your best to be noticed and stand out. Not only will it impress the professors, but it will also help you in the future.