University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Top Questions

I would tell myself to breath. That my life will not be over if I do not get into my dream school, that just because I cannot afford a certain place, I can still enjoy where I am. I would tell myself that our circumstances do not define us, it is how we react to them. It's okay that I could not afford the school where I wanted to go because I am going to be happy where I end up. I will make friends at this school, get into clubs, and find new interests. I would also tell myself that it is not going to be easy. There are going to be long nights studying, free time will be limited, and you will have to reach out to make friends, they do not always come to you. Most importantly though, I would remind myself to breath. There is no use getting stressed over things you cannot control and it is okay for things to not go as planned because they lead us to where we belong.

College is not about warmth or sunshine. It will not matter what letters you wear, the tailgates you attend, or the grades you receive. You’re looking at college all wrong. These things are great but they won’t make your college experience. Even when it's below freezing, if you're passionate about your classes you’ll happily bear the elements. The combination of Greek letters or absence of them altogether on your clothing does not mean “future bridesmaids”. Find the people who make you laugh, interest you, and support you, they won’t be the size of a pledge class but they’ll definitely be your “sisters”. Moreover you don’t play football and tailgates are few and far between; join a club, any club as long as it interests you, it doesn’t need to be a resume booster you just have to love it. Finally a high GPA means nothing if you aren’t challenged by your courses, take that honors class if it looks interesting, college is about learning not a calculation. Going through the motions will not make college the greatest years of your life; involve yourself, challenge yourself, and most importantly enjoy yourself.

You should know that change is both necessary and inevitable, so try to embrace it as best as you can. Growth is a beautiful, incredibly bittersweet process and there is (I’ve learned) nothing to fear from it. At the end of the day, that’s what you’re here for: to learn, to blossom, and to flourish into whoever it is you decide you’re going to be. Part of that process though, is making mistakes; so be kind to yourself, forgive yourself, and then, keep going. The only thing you’ll regret over these next four years are the things you didn’t do, so make sure you do everything you can; go out on weeknights, dress up for themed parties, attend as many of your university’s sporting events as you can, and always call home at least once a week. Do things you never gave yourself the liberty to do in high school, study abroad, revel in your newfound independence in whatever way you see fit, spend at least one summer on campus, and, perhaps most importantly, when you do finally find your voice – don’t ever be afraid to use it.

Don't take the "easy" classes that will fit the requirements. If you want to change careers later and go back to school, those classes probably will transfer to the new major you want. For example, don't take Earth and Space or Geology to get your science requirements out of the way if you think you might want to change into the healthcare field one day. Take Biology or Chemistry, which you will probably actually need.

Do not be afraid to talk to people whenever you first arrive. Everyone is nervous and scared, and desperately wants to make new friends. It may be awkward at first, but it will get easier, and if you do not talk to people, you will regret it. The new found freedom will be exciting, but try not to let it get the best of you. Just becaus you can now stay out until whenever you want or do whatever you want, that does not mean you should go out every weekend, or stay up late on nights before you have early classes. Do not feel pressured to drink alcohol or do drugs just because others are. If they are true friends or truly appreciate who you are, they will respect your decision to abstain. Last but not least, stay in touch with your old friends. Though you are making countless new friends, you cannot forget about the people who have been there for you for years; make sure they know you still care about them and wish to remain friends. Enjoy yourself, but be responsible as well.

If I were to go back to my senior year I would tell myself a few things. First, college is going to be completely different than high school and it is definitely not all about studying for the next exam. There is more to the experience and you should make sure you try and take adavantage of that right from the beginning or else you are going to miss out on some memorable freshman experiences that you may not get to experience later. Also, you are going to know almost no one when you get to Pitt so if there is something you want to change about yourself do it this summer and amaze the people you are going to meet with the new you. But, once you get here and meet all your amazing and wonderful new friends do not forget about your friends back home and at other colleges. Make sure to keep in touch with them while you are away or you will lose them in the process. Finally, while you take in everything that is your freshman year learn a few things both inside and outside the classroom to help make yourself a better person.

Taylor, the world is your oyster, but here is some wisdom to make college easier. -Commute. My parents weren’t fibbing when they said living at home was financially savvy. Commuting is inconvenient, but taking city buses to school (free with my student ID) saved me over $35,000 in dorm fees. - Choose a school with various majors, a good reputation, and professors who specialize in your interests. A prestigious school doesn’t get you hired, but studying diligently and befriending professors ultimately earn success. - Find scholarships. Collegiate financial aid isn’t guaranteed and is riddled with caveats. Apply for private and niche scholarships which typically receive fewer applications. - Explore your interests. Declaring a major in your first year will likely make you unhappy, flip-flop majors, and have to stay longer to complete coursework. Engage yourself in a diverse learning experience, and declare as a sophomore. - Enjoy student life. College should teach you how to network, make friends, and have fun responsibly; you don’t want to become the library’s resident hermit. Joining clubs, volunteering, and midnight Frisbee tournaments relieve stress and improve résumés. Follow my advice and everything will fall into place. Hail to Pitt!

Remember where you are from, and remember that many kids would love to be in your position. Do not take this opportunity for granted, and always think of the amazing things you will be able to do for you country. Remember that the Marshall Islands needs you and all of your future coworkers and assets. Go to college not only for yourself, but also for your home because it is what makes you unique and the strong college student you will be. Going to college has its many different reasons, but the most important is making sure you end up with a career where you find yourself the happiest person. College is your ticket to freedom and being able to make choices based on your beliefs without the authorization of others. Although it will be a hard and long journey, you will be happy you did all that work for yourself. Life is a challenge of the pursuit of happiness, and it is in the hands of ourselves that it will be accomplished.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that I would have to seriously hone in on my stuy habits and improve them. When I was in high school, I hardly ever studied, and I would still get As on most of my tests and in all of my classes. I never actually read the chapter we were covering in the book, and I was able to do the bare minimum and still get As. When I got to college, though, I realized I had absolutely no clue how to study, or even do homework, for that matter, because it was completely differenf from high school. I would tell myself to start doing all of the things I do now to study--read my books, take detailed notes, review often, and stay on top of my assignments (which means getting them done early in college and on time in high school). If I had already had great study skills when I entered college, the transition from high school senior to college freshman would have been MUCH easier, so that is what I would tell myself.

I would tell myself that time goes by so fast. Having an education and putting forth your best effort in your academics is important, but you also need enjoy your college years. Find ways to involve study time and meet new people. Join clubs and other groups to meet new people and have the opportunity to meet your possible life long friends. College is what you make it. If you don't put yourself out there, then you may not enjoy it as much as if you were to involve yourself in activites through the college. I would tell myself to enjoy every minute of the next chapter of your life. Don't let it pass you by and work hard to study and meet new people.