University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Top Questions

I explicitly remember being so excited to leave my hometown and experience something new before leaving for the University of Pittsburgh. A new city, new friends, a whole new environment. Teachers and peers always told us that college was an exciting experience and we needed to be prepared for what was to come. If I were able to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have stressed the idea that college truly was an entirely different lifestyle. I would have chosen to take more challenging courses in high school and embarked upon more diverse opportunities. The transition from high school to college was difficult for me and mostly all of my friends, as expected. I do not think anyone is truly ready for this experience and one really just has to see for his or herself. I would definitely tell my high school self to work harder and learn more about the college course load and educational topics that I would be exposed to.

If I was able to go back three years to my senior year of high school, I would surely give myself a few wise words of advice. For a start, I would emphasize the importance of reaching out into the community. I did not realize how important and vital community service was until my sophomore year of college, so I wish I would have known to start one year earlier. At this time, I give back to my community on a weekly basis, so hopefully I can make up for that lost time! In addition, I would tell myself to remember to enjoy my time spent at school. During my freshmen year, I tended to spend excessive amounts of time studying and forgot what it was like to have fun, so I would remind myself to relax every once in a while. Lastly, I eventually learned that although my transition to college was fairly smooth, my parents found themselves lonely without me. Knowing this, I would have told myself to visit my mother and father more! Overall, I find much happiness in the college experience, and I greatly appreciate consideration for this scholarship to benefit my future.

I would advise my high school senior self to figure out what my learning style is before I leave for college. Not knowing my learning style before I came to college has really hindered my ability to be the student I know I can be. This uncertainty has left me feeling confused in some classes and being very unsure as to how I should take notes or study in order to remember the most information. My high school self would do well to talk to teachers to figure out and get help on develping an effective learning style..

College is for YOU. Remember that when you go, you must make sure that you are studying what makes you happy. The minute you do something that you dont have your heart into, you will not do it right. So my advice is to do YOU and no one else.

If I could address myself as a high school senior, the first thing I would mention is my younger self's need for help. Making the transition from high school to college was not difficult for me, but learning to deal with the psychological trauma left over from my childhood nearly ended my life. If I had the time and ability, I would advise my younger self to seek the help of the counseling center much sooner- learning to deal with the pain and rage left over from being abused would have made my college experience much more pleasant. After that, I would remind myself that even though high school was a difficult time for me, I no longer had to hinder myself on the expectations from that time period. At college I am free to be myself and need not fear anything other than failing my courses. In addition, I would also tell myself that it is perfectly fine to pursue a career field that does not make a great deal of money- what matters more is my peace of mind and sense of self.

Entering my second semester of college, I really wish I could go back to my senior year knowing what I know now. First of all, everything changes after graduation. I thought nothing would change with my family and friends, but I was completely wrong. No one disappears from your life ? things are just really different and everyone must make adjustments. Going to college is a huge transition that affects every part of your life. I wish I had known to make the most of every moment I had with my friends and family before college. Secondly, I wish I had been more prepared for how much work college really is. I didn?t have to try to do well in high school. In college you must quickly learn to balance the overwhelming amount of work with the newfound freedom of deciding how to spend your time ? especially when your friends are always available and asking you to join them. Most of all, I wish I had begun saving my money sooner. Looking back I wasted a lot of money on things I didn?t need ? money that could really come in handy now as I try to pay for school.

I would tell myself not to try and rush things. That having a set plan of what classes to take and when, them HAVING to be in that order was not true. I would tell myself to work harder at having a balance at work, school, and play, so as not to burn myself out. I would also say, that it's always smarter to wait to go to the first couple of classes before buying your books, to never sell them back to the bookstore, and that you can buy dorm/house products cheaply on craigslist and at the local grocery store. And any unused food can be sold to people on your floor for a small profit. Also, boys are a dime a dozen and to not get caught up in relationship drama or friend drama that would take away from the college experience. I would say seriously look at studying abroad and available scholarships and to remember that I have 2 sisters who've gone through this before me. Use them for advice and not feel like I have to do everything on my own.

College is more important than any schooling you have recieved thus far. It will require more out of you and in order to succeed your going to have to commit yourself as much as possible. This may include having to stay up all night to get a firm grasp on information that may seem trivial and also occasionally having to stay in when everyone else is going out to study. And if you put in enough effort everything will start to make sense sooner and in the future it will take less time. Whatever you do make sure that you don't fall behind in a subject, because it may cause you to fall behind in other subjects in the process of catching up. One of the most important things is to make sure that you are happy. Don't let the work of your classes get you too stressed out. Eat healthy, exercise regularly, and make friends in school. Without those things you will make school much more stressful than it needs to be. So just remember, work hard in school and stay happy and college will be the best time of your life.

Dear Senior Me, Stop STRESSING OUT! Youre going to give yourself hypertension with all the worrying you do about college! I know its only a few months away, but I can assure you, everything WILL be alright. Here's a few things to remember: Don't let your guard down. you did wonderfully in high school but college is a different world. You cant coast by and get awesome grades. It's time to crack down and focus. Don't be afraid to ask for help either. Professors can be intimidating but they are there to help if you apply yourself. Don't wait until the last minute. Material covered on exams and projects is much more in depth, so you have to put in more time to earn the grades you want. MAKE FRIENDS! This can be the best experience of your life, and afterall, we all need someone to compliment our craziness. It's practically a year long slumber party, and after all the exams, you'll need the down time, so don't forget to enjoy yourself! Success in all aspects of life needs balance. Be yourself and strive for your dreams! Love, Your older self

I made one mistake after high school and that was staying in my hometown and attending the local university. If i could go back and talk to myself as a senior i would only have one piece of advice. I would tell myself "follow your gut instinct and don't let anyone influence your decisions. Yes, this town is your comfort zone but you're a strong independent person and its time to move onto a bigger pond." If i would have known what i know now, i wouldn't have waited a year and half to finally attend the university of my dreams. The best decision i ever made was switching universities, i just wish i would have done it sooner.