University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Top Questions

As a high school student I was very frustrated with school, the educational system and certainly the social aspect. I highly disliked the excessive homework and the "pointless" classes I was required to take. I always enjoyed learning but the environment I was in was somewhat disheartening. By the time I was a senior, these frustrations were just about through the roof and my grades reflected this. Looking back on my attitude and how I let my frustrations get to me, If I could tell my high school self anything it would be to stay strong and just fight through it and to always keep your head up. I would put an emphasis on not letting external problems interfere with my love of learning and my determination to reach my goals.

If I were able to give my high school senior self adivce on college I would tell myself several things. First of all, I would make my past self promise not to bring a tv to the dorm room. I would advise that studying is more important than Grey's Anatomy. Futhermore, I would explain that I would need to give myself time to adjust to the academic demands of college versus high school. I would also advise myself to enjoy the experience of being a freshman in college and not to worry so much. Finally, I would advise myself to get involved in campus activities and make life-long friendships.

Take fewer AP classes and more concurant classes.

Be ready to juggle. In high school, as a senior, it was just about fun. But when I got to college I had to juggle being a leader, having fun, and learning all at once. Really enjoy high school. College is on a bigger scale.

If I were to go back and advise myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to take every opportunity to experience new things with your classmates as possible. I am a senior in college now and the last three years have flown by. I have focused a great deal on my studies and I would adivse that I study as much as I did but also make time to have fun with classmates and friends through community service activities and going to cultural events on campus. This campus has so much to offer as far as clubs, extra curriculars, community service opportunities, and cultural events. College is the prime time in your life when you can grow as a person and as a citizen by experiencing every new experience that life offers and by learning about your classmates and community members. Education is of course top priority but growing as a person should definitely be the next priority for every college student and the University of Oklahoma understands this and gives ample opportunities to do so.

Remember not to walk in the bike lanes, get a good laptop or you will be miserable, don't walk under the clock tower, ask upperclassmen about the best professors and ALWAYS set wake alarms, home work reminders, and program your class schedule into your phone's calendar (be smart with your smart phone)

Through this last year of high school keep an open mind. Do not let current plans come in the way of future plans. Always leave some spare time to spend with friends in family while working hard to be the best. Never lose touch with the dreams that give determination to work hard. Always thank those who have taken the time to teach you throughout the years. Take time to realize where you could be without all the hard work you have dedicated to school. Always be a friend to everyone you come into contact with. In the hard times, always listen to all sides of the story. Be the best that you can be and never let yourself become less than what you are. You will go places in life if you keep up the hard work!

If I could go back and talk to myself about college and what it’s going to be like I would tell myself. That is not all what people make out to be. It’s very hard and time consuming every bit of your time goes into studying and getting good grades. I would also tell myself that getting good grads in high school and working hard then will pay off in the long run in college. Also college classes are competitive everyone wants the best grade in the class and no one is going to be willing to help you. I will also like to let myself know that taking a lot of classes all at once will not make things easy take one or two of the hard classes then some of the easy ones that way you’re not always at home studying you can have a social life. I would also tell myself to schedule my classes when it’s best for me not for my friends take them when I will be more likely to pay attention so like at night than the morning. At the end i would say have fun.

If I could go back into time to give myself advice on college my main point would be to stay calm. When going to college, I got really nervous about classes, tests, etc. Everything ended up being perfectly fine as long as I kept that thought in my mind mentally. Also, I would tell myself to always read the chapters, and always do the homework. Professors don't always give you answers to tests in your notes, you have to contribute effort in order to get the grade that you want. Finally, although education is very important, I would tell myself that it is important to sometimes take a break, relax, and enjoy yourself.

If I could go back to my high school senior self I would slap myself in the face! It's funny how just a few years in college can completely change your outlook on life. I would have to tell myself to stay humble and patient; don't let anyone tell you that you can't do anything or that you aren't fit to succeed. Don't worry about what others around you are doing. Don't fret about the obnoxious guys sitting behind you in class. Remember, you are sitting there in that classroom for you and no one else. I'd tell myself to not be lazy. That's the biggest thing. My first couple of years I had trouble staying focused on my schoolwork. I'd tell myself to pay attention and keep my time and focus on my school and make sure I do the best darn job that I can possibly do because it will seriously pay off. I regret not doing better at the community college. It's really hurt my GPA and would do it all over again to make it better.

Looking back in my high school years I would do many things differently. For starters I would have paid allot more attention in my classes, particularly math. It's hard to grasp the importance of some subjects being a fist generation college student, life came fist for me! My parents never even asked if I was going to attend college! Like me they thought college was just out of our reach. Personally I never had a high school senior year, after talking to my dean I enrolled in sufficient courses to graduate in three years. Like I said I never saw high school as a source of life enrichment, so I just got a diploma as a backup plan, rather than a degree. Looking back I don’t regret the decision because working labor intensive positions prior to attending college woke me up to the demands of a management positions. From that experience I was able to enroll in a community college to acquire those talents increasing personal value and productivity, to better fit the modern work force.

If I could go back in time I would tell my high school senior self that I have a lot of growing up to do before I will be ready for college. I would advise myself to get some life experience and join the military or join a volunteer program before going to college. I went to college right out of high school and had no idea what I was doing or what to expect. Unfortunately I did not do well and failed most of my classes. I then gave school a break and worked for several years. After being mature enough to realize how important education is in order to advance in the workforce I decided to give school another try. I have been back in school for three years now and am a consistent 4.0 student, but my transcript from when I originally went to college right out of high school still haunts me.

I would advise myself to get more excited about school again because the work load in college requires the drive to do well. I would suggest that I take more time in making new friends or getting involved in more organizations. Having lived in the same town my whole life and continuing to attend college here, it would have been helpful to meet more new people, rather than sticking with the people I already knew. I might have also advised myself to strive to move out of state or at least away from home. The transition from high school to college was very easy for me and I honestly wish I would have challenged myself a little more to branch out and grow. I would advise myself further to realize that everything in life changes including your friends, yourself and the way you see the world, and to be more ready for that. Lastly, I would advise myself to constantly remember why I want to attend college because it will be worth it all in the end. Positivity, and hard work in college is the key to success.

Life happens, and it happens in the most incredible of ways, but also in the most unlikely and devastating of ways. No matter what, you have to embrace it and understand opposition is just reassurance that you are exactly where you are suppose to be. Had I known senior year that it would be my last year to have my mom in my life, I would have dedicated more time to spend with her and hearing about things like childhood memories and advice on things to save for the future about marriage and raising kids. Seek wisdom and help when you need it as well as fruitful relationships. I encourage the building of relationships with the people that surround you, whether it is your hall mates or professors; the relationships that surround you daily and the people who will help you carry the things that life brings. Seize any opportunity that comes your way and do not be afraid to challenge yourself with new experiences because failure does not define you by a letter grade, but by self-disappointment in what you did not attempt. Remember that light does not shine in light, but illuminates in darkness.

The only advice that I can give to a know-it-all 17 year old is to follow your heart. Right now you can't decide on which degree to earn and you aren't sure which career will make you happiest. You may think a job is just to pay the bills but you won't be satisfied unless your career meets your ideals. High school does not teach you how to capture your dreams, it only gives you a foundation from which you can stand. In college you will learn about yourself, your dreams, and your abilities. You might think you know all you need to succeed; however, an education is what you really need.

I know you have spent the last four years with the same friends and in the same crowded place. I know that you're a bit terrified of all of the changes that are going to come with this transition and how out of place and alone you might feel. You don't need to be afraid! Change is a constant part of life, and getting used to it is one of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself. You will make friends and you will find your classes and you'll have a great time. Don't be afraid of this opportunity because it is going to be one of the best experiences of your life.

Hey Salena!! Look I know you really don’t want to go to college but guess what? If you don’t the next five years will be a constant battle for you! You will be working 60hr. weeks ,trying to maintain bills and fell like your stuck in a dead end job.After about your fifth year you will then decide it’s time and felt as you let time pass you by. Now I know how much you don’t like to waste time and I also know if a good opportunity comes along you will take it because you have never been afraid of a challenge or change.You will meet amazing people,I know your a people person too which makes it that much more convincing.You will be a happier person with your life and enjoy it to the fullest,so instead of working that dead end job for the rest of you life go to college and a get a degree in Criminal Justice like you always wanted.I Gotta run! But I know you will make the right decision. Love always, Your self 5 years later

Stop giving all of your money to your alcoholic mother. Place it in a money market or stock and save it for college. Also, apply for OLAP and take the SAT.

Never neglect your studies and take part in as much volunteer activities as you can. If you ask any questions always ask from someone who knows the answer.

As a senior I wish I had known how important it is to get involved with your school from the beginning. Even now, I remember downplaying it in my head - my friends were attending the social events and information sessions on campus, and I can remember thinking that I would be just fine without attending. Sometimes I can be a little socially awkward, and I let that control my actions at the time. In reality, getting involved in college is not only easy and fun, but necessary from the get-go. Campus life is truly a unique and living creature, and it is important to be immersed in it as soon as possible; it is not nearly as terrifying as people like myself seem to believe. These days I adventure out of my room more often than I ever thought I would, just for the sake of seeing new faces and exchanging words with all manner of people. In college it is important to never allow fear to limit your interactions, whether they are purely social or educational, too. Whatever camps and seminars are available, grab them for all they are worth: transition is one hundred percent easier with friends.