University of Sioux Falls Top Questions

As I stare with tear-swelled eyes at my student loan balance, I wonder if it was all worth it. Had I forgone an education like the one I choose, I may not have learned the law of diminishing returns, the basics of calculus, or how to speak German. But what terrifies me even more is the thought that I may not have learned the most valuable lesson: try new things. I have never been one to stand out from the crowd for fear of being criticized. But these four years have become a whirlwind of new experiences. Had I not tried new things, I would not have discovered my passion for running 10k's and painting, had the opportunity to mentor young girls with running, applied to law school, went out for the school musical, donated 250 meals to the homeless, or interned on the legislature. Those tear-swelled eyes, I realize, are of pride, not frustration. The lesson I have learned to try new things is one that cannot be included in tution prices. It is a lesson that is far more valuable than the number on my student debt statement--one I hope to never forget.

to do better in highschool. I really thought that it wouldnt do me that much good, but when i wantedthe scholarships, i could not get them. It would have been worth it to kick it into geer before now.

One thing I would tell myself is to not be afraid, I was so nervous to go to college but it has ended up to be the best thing for me. I would also tell myself to just be myself, and to not hold back on who I truely am. I would also tell myself that everything happens for a reason and that God is on my side no matter what.

I would tell myself to keep studying hard, and to talk to professors when you feel uncertain about a subject the class is covering. Try to get out and meet people. Be yourself and you will do fine in college.

College is a time for intellectual development, emotional maturation, and learning one's most pivotal life lessons. It IS the experience of a life time, but it?s not all about school. The most important lessons to be learnt aren?t those in the classroom, but those in your everyday life. Let yourself grow as an individual and don?t be afraid to stand out. Stop living life afraid of being recognized as different?instead, strive for difference. Most importantly: dont rush. College is difficult, stressful, and terribly horrifying, but they're the best years of your life. This is where life happens. Don't let it pass you by because you're afraid of doing something wrong. Make mistakes, learn lessons, and don't forget to love every second of it. Be the person you've always wanted to be and prove yourself wrong.

Dear Jacki, College is great, and you will love it! I know that you can succeed in all that you do if you put your mind to it, but right now the paths that you are going down are going to make it harder for you to make money for college. Sometimes, you choose to have fun and in turn make bad decisions for yourself, over doing what is right-- making the good grades, and right choices. You will only benefit from taking the extra time to study for your biology tests, and doing the homework with dedication to bettering yourself. Save up your money, spend it wisely, be kind to those around you, get the good grades you are capable of, ditch the boys, and stop wasting your money eating out all the time! You are a good kid, and you will make it! With love, Jacki

If I could manipulate time in order to give myself advice about my future I know it would have taken a significant amount of stress out of my senior year. I would go back and tell myself to trust my instincts and don't ever doubt myself when it comes to what I can achieve. It was very stressful trying to decide if I should attend the University of Sioux Falls or not. As a private school the cost was out of my price range. At times I felt that I was making the wrong choice and that I would regret focusing all of my attention on USF. However through hours and hours of applying for scholarships and having a job I have been able to afford tuition this year and do not have any regrets about my choice. While at times I think it would be nice to go back in time I know that in the end I would not change any experience that I have had, both good and bad. Each of my different experiences has shaped me into who I am. You never know how drastically one choice could affect the outcome of your future.

Hey Lizzy! Take a deep breath! College is NOT as scary as you thought it would be. Your professors really care about you, and you have made some of the best, most genuine friends ever. Your classes challenge you, but they are definitely manageable. You can still make time for recreation and fun, and there are plenty of parks and camping in the area. Dorm life will teach you incredible space management, and course schedules will teach you impeccable time management. One effective planning method is to make a priority list for your homework. Finish up assignments in the order they are due, and DO NOT put off big projects just because they are not due until the end of the semester. Make sure you get at least seven hours of sleep at least five nights a week. Audition for the musical, and hang out with your friends when they invite you. Keep your dorm room open and get acquainted with your neighbors. This is a fun stage of life, so try not to be so stressed that you forget to enjoy it.

Knowing what I know now about college life, I would tell myself not to have so many expectations. As a high school senior, I had many expectations as to what college life would be like. I pictured myself having an awesome social life with all the free time in the world, basically living THE life. My dreamt up life was great; so I never really prepared myself emotionally for college. When I got to school, I had no close friends and didn?t know any faculty. I felt lost and alone. To say the least I never expected that to happen. If I could go back in time, I would have utilized all my resources in the field of college searching. I never did many campus tours, and I would spend more time doing so. There are many great people, for example; high school guidance counselors, there to help you make your decision about where to go. The second piece of advice I would give is to not be hasty with your decision about your major. Most of my friends who came into college with a major have changed it now. I say, take generals until you?re definitely sure.

That I should have asked more questions. Asked around and talked with more students and athletes of how it is around the school and campus. Just to be more aware of my surroundings.

Take the ACT once more. Pay more attention to what you are interested in, pick a school that has all the qualities you are looking for. Don't discount a school because of cost, take all schools into consideration. Don't worry about the money, the money will take of itself. Start applying sooner, take more college visits. Visit with professors and try to talk some current students that attend the schools that you visit. Visit more than just state school, go to any school that interests you. Don't sell yourself short, you can handle any school in the country. Listen to the advice of your parents when they talk to you about college, they know what they are talking about. Pay attention more in your class the last year of high school, they will help prepare you for your first year of college. Pray about what school to attend, and just follow your heart.

In High School, I feel I was very well prepared to move onto the next level. I took academics seriously and rarely cheated on any assignments or took the easy classes just to slide by. I took more challenging courses my senior year so I would prepare myself for college. Now that I know what I would like to major in, I would have taken some courses in High School that relate to my major to help me move one step further to obtain my degree. My roomate is a friend from High School and I would have changed that if I could go back in time. I would rather room with someone I do not know so that I could have made more friends instead of acquaintances. Overall, I felt well prepared going into college academically but I would have told myself to open up more and get involved in other clubs besides a varsity sport.

Get to know yourself before you decide on good frienships freshman year. Know who you want surrounding you and influencing you because it will make your college experience more enjoyable knowing that you have a strong support system at home AND at school.

Don't be afraid to go out and talk to people. All the freshman at the college are new and don't no anybody. You won't look dumb or like a loser if you go up and talk to people and be involved in all the social activities that are possible. Friends make the college transition much easier and they will be your friends for a long time. Also, do homework ahead of time. Class syllabus' are a college student's best friend.

To be open to new things and people. To join in the campus activities while on campus. Make the most out of activities, college life, and classes. Remember that the time is short and will only be lived once.

Listen to what your elders say. They are only trying to make the journey in life easier for you.

The advice I would give to myself if I could go back in time as a high school senior would be to enjoy college to the fullest. Get involved in anything that interests you on campus such as athletics, intermurals, music, art, etc. There is something for everyone to enjoy on campus. Attend chapel weekly because it helps to bring focus to your life and is a relaxing break from classes. Try to be social and reach out to people. Go to dorm bible studies and attend activities on campus. Smile and say hi to whoever you pass in your dorm or on campus. Be assertive with people and do not let people take advantage of you. Live on campus because you will feel part of the community, and you won't have to worry about traffic, etc. Always work hard and strive to do your best. Most importantly, always keep an eternal perspective on things. College is awesome!

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself to take a lot of time for personal reflection. I would tell myself this because I see now how many of my classmates seem to be swept up in their newfound freedom and have neglected their studies in search of ways to turn college into an endless party. College is a time to be devoted to your studies, and while friendships and community are wonderful benefits of college, they mustn't interfere with your academic life to the point where it affects it negatively. There must be a balance, and to know where your balance lies is to know your limitations and to know yourself. I would advise myself to be open to new academic possibilities because what seems like THE major for you may soon give way to unforseen interests. Lastly, I would tell myself to be prepared to meet many new people and to encounter many changes in college. I would discourage worriment (for I know I'd worry) and encourage excitement and courage because I can handle it. Most importantly, however, I must meet everything with love.

I would tell myself to strive to go above and beyond on all of my homework. I need to work hard on achieving all good grades. I need to better listen to the lessons my teachers are teaching, so I will be able to use that advice in my college years. The note taking and essays are important to work hard on as well. The ideas and concepts we learn and write about can be used in college. I need to pay attention and keep papers and notes to be able to use in the future, like college.

College has a lot to offer a person. There are going to be so many things that you are going to have questions about but as long as you are able and wanting to set in motion these questions then you will always have answers. College life is going to seem hard at first but once you get into the swing of the way things work you will feel like a person who is on the fast track to success. The college you have chosen has so many professors that genuinely care about how you are doing and you as a person. If you apply yourself to your studies you will see that many of these professors can be lifelong friends as well as the other friendships that you will form along the way. College is ultimately about discovering who you are. You will try things, fail things, and accomplish things that will form and make you into the person that your future holds. Your college career will be an unforgettable one?be ready to stretch out your comfort zone and see what else is waiting for you in this world!