University of South Carolina-Upstate Top Questions

Now that you are about to go to college, there are just a few things that you truly need to know. First, be willing to change your mind, but find a balance. What I mean is, it's okay to change your major. It's very rare that anyone knows what they want to do for twenty years at such a young age. Take random electives, research, challenge yourself. And if you hate what you're majoring in, major in something else. Never be afraid to listen to your gut. Secondly, do an internship. That's my biggest regret: not doing one. Internships not only could get your foot in the door for a potential job right out of college, but they also give you an idea of what jobs truly look like. Trust me, it's a little unnerving when you graduate and don't have a clue what work will look like. Lastly, don't settle for just any job. Find something you believe in or volunteer. Never be stuck in a rut, always be willing to change. But stay true to your word.

Enjoy the college experience because those four years are going to be the best years of your life. Get involved, make lots of friends, and grow into who you are as a person, independent of the people who have influenced your life from childhood. You are going to be doing a lot of soul searching, but you can't even imagine the woman that you will become. Life's an adventure, so create your own. Go into this experience with your head held high, full of determination, ready to become the person you are destined to be. Lastly, DO NOT SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF. Life is going to throw you curveballs on a regular basis; learn to accept and adapt quickly because more often than not, you will have minimal control over the obstacles presented to you. Have fun! The real world is waiting and it is quite nice once you join!

While I enjoyed having fun and participating in clubs and extracurricular activities in high school, I wish I had spent more time learning to take notes more effectively, and practiced better time management and setting priorities. These are important skills in college and using these skills effectively can save lots of time and frustration when you get to the reality of being a college student and meeting deadlines. All work and no play makes for a dull college experience, but good study skills, time management, and note taking are valuable to help your pursuit of higher education to be a more beneficial experience.

Jessica. I know you want to go off to UGA or Vanderbilt but trust me, those schools are not worth the debt and frustration. You can get a great education at Coastal without killing yourself in the process. I know you feel like a massive loser, feeling embarrassed whenever someone asks you where you're going to school. I know you hate hearing everyone talk about how excited they are to go off to school while you'll still be at home. I know you hate it sweetheart, but trust me, you have to put your blinders on and run YOUR race. Don't worry about what other people will be doing or what you won't be doing. One day, you'll have your moment in the sun and you'll forget all about those insecure moments and doubts. Just remember to be kind to everyone, learn everything you can and always remember that there's more to life than making the Dean's List. If being of service to someone slows you down, by all means, slow down. It's well worth it in the end.

Changing any one thing in my past would change how everything turned out; I am incredibly happy where I am now. If I were to go back and tell myself something it wouldn’t be just about how to get ready for college, but also how to get ready for life…it starts earlier than I thought. I would go to my thirteen year old freshman self and prioritize for her. She needs to know that school is important but so are family and friends. I would stress to her that going through the process towards college/life is one that you cannot go on alone. Make friends, love your family, talk to your teachers, and make connections. All of these things will help toward my goal in mind; graduate and go to college. I would let her know heartbreak and rough times happen in high school when she will doubt her goal and capability, but that she has to remember me coming and having this conversation. She has to remember that she/I made it through everything. I will also tell her that I made it by focusing on school as well as making connections to those around me.

Some advice I would give myself back in high school would be to try harder. Just because you did well in high school without studying doesn't mean you will in college. That first semester is going to be tough. Forget about the girl you're dating as well. She isn't that great in the long run. Being in college is really going to change you. Just be prepared for what the future holds. Trust me it isn't all that bad.

As a freshman college student I have plenty of moments where I wish I could go back and talk to myself as a senior in high school. There are so many things I would tell myself to help make the transition from high school to college so much easier, but there are three main things: 1. Be prepared to STUDY!! I mean actually sit down, takes notes, no cell phone, no T.V. type of studying. 2. Don't be afraid to ask questions or ask for help. If you don't understand something or need a little bit of extra help, ask for it! 3. Be more involved in activities and clubs on campus. Making the transition from high school to college can be scary, but it can be done. Now that I'm almost finish with my first year of college I've learned that the transition can be difficult, but with time you will get the hang of everything and settle right into the college life.

I would tell myself that everything will work out in the end, you will graduate and make your way to applying to law school. I would also tell myself to not stress the small stuff. Two professors will impact your life greatly, Dr. Combes and Dr. Goldberg, and they will do everything possible to help you thrive. Last but not least, just when you think you can't pay for classes, someone comes through and your dreams will survive and thrive.

I would increase my reading and comprehension ability. Reading improves knowledge in all subject areas.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would advice myself to start taking college classes while in high school to lessen the financial burden of college expenses.

Advice I will give myself you will have to be disicipline. When attending high school the teacher kind of hold your hand but in college you will have to discipline yourself and become a responsible student. Please be mindful because your instructor provides you with a assignment 3 months prior to when it is due does not mean you can just continue on with everyday business it is a reason why that instructor provided you with the 3 months assignment because it will take that much time and research to complete the assignment. i would give myself advice sometimes you will have to say no to things you will like to do with friends when attending college to focus on your education because it is important and it will pay off in the long run.

if i were to go back and talk to myself as a senior in high school, i would first tell myself to start applying for colleges at the beginning of the year. i would then tell myself to find as many scholarships and grants as i could because college is expensive. i would then tell myself to visit the campus from time to time to learn more about the enivornment and to check on school related information. most importantly, i would remind myself to be cautious of the people in which i decide to befriend and share a dorm room with during my freshman year. i would push myself as hard as i could to pull up my grades in order to prepare for the world ahead of me. i would insist myself on being more open to different things, and people. last but not least, i would make sure that before i left high school and headed to college, that my family, younger/older siblings would be proud of me if they were sitting beside me everyday of my journey. i believe that i would save myself from a lot of hassile if i could talk to myself.

Note to self, You've worked hard and graduation is around the corner but have no worries because college is similar to high school, the classes are a little harder. That's why the average student's motto is "C's get degrees". But then again C's aren't so easy to get when you sleep in and don't study as much as you need to. Only in 9th and 11th grade, you'll get an A in Biology and Chemistry. 1st semester grades were HORRIBLE but stick around, 2nd semester is great. Your major is now Nursing instead of Pre-Med. Another thing, you're deff not a morning person so NO 8 o'clocks ! You're not much of a partier yet but those days are soon to come. Oh yea, you're suitemate will make a mess and start rumors but every female has drama so have patience. It'll be hard being away from your family and Cj(boyfriend) but your twin is here for you. They'll support you every step of the way and you'll also meet some great friends that will make this crazy experience worth while.

Although High School seems to be meaningless, the Educational System is actually designed to prepare you for furthering your education towards your career goals. Don't quit school because it's only going to lead you toward a meaningless job instead of a career, drug addiction, homelessness, disease, and a poor self-esteem. Your parents actually do know what they are talking about when they say that you are going to regret it. You should go see that psychologist. The reason that you seem bored in class is because you have Attention Deficit Disorder and you simply need to harness it. There are several foundations and plenty of people who will support you into becoming a productive member of society so just admit that you are having problems to the school councilor to avoid all of this trouble. If you quit school now, it's going to be the worst decision you could possibly make. By the way, Advertising & Media's the field you should persue. Remember these things if you want to save yourself from heartache and shame. College is waiting for you so go get it. It will be the best life changing experience you could possibly imagine!

If I had the chance to talk to my former senior self, I would tell myself to pay attention in class more because most of the material I am learning right now, I have already been taught. I just can't remember any of it. My work load and the necessity of studying would not be as stressful to me if I had already

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to take as many college classes through the Saint Paul Connections as humanly possible because the classes were easy and at $1 per class, the one credit that you would get would be more than worth it. Also I would of told myself to apply to scholarships earlier and to spend more of my time reading about the subjects that I will be studying in college, practicing essay writing and finding a job to pay for college because paying for college is not that cheap. Finally the last thing that I would of told myself, okay now I am going to college to lay the groundwork for the future, my future, what is my plan, what do I want to do with my life and always remember why and for what I am doing this....

If I was given this oppurtunity to speak to myself I would start by saying that college opens doors to a succesful career. College should not be taken for granted the first step to exceeding in college is to do your best in high school. You see if you graduate with a a GPA then everything becomes easier because Universitys look at your GPA to see if you qualify as a student. Stay focused on your grades not so much on your social life People will come and go but your high school grades come only once. Be more presistent and try not to procrastinate in your classes. I understand that your friends mean alot to you but make an attempt to stay in on week days and turn in your work on time. The most improtant part is to focus on your grads, taks test, and SAT.This is what I would discuss with myself if I could go back.

I would tell myself to apply for scholarships ahead of time. Save up for college and books in case you do not get enough financial aid for tutition. Be more open to meeting new people.

There are only a few things that I would wish I could tell myself as a high school senior. Just because you do not go to school everyday, does not mean that you should not study or do homework. Just because you have more freedom and are away from home does not mean you should not stick to the values and morals that were instilled into you as a kid. Also, make sure to attend every class because even though your proffesor may not take attendance you are paying for the knowledge, and it is only going to help you in the long run with your occupation.

In high school, college was a glorified dream of parties and sporting events. I was one of those students who were ready to go to college for the fun. Being in college now is more complex than the dreams I once had. I study twice as hard as I did in high school and I make a lot more notes on my own. I also have to pay more because I did not take the application process seriously. My advice for myself if I could go back in time to high school was to take going to college more seriously. Instead of studying for the SAT or the ACT the night before, I would tell myself to make a schedule of topics I needed to study a month in advance to taking these tests. If I would have taken the time to do these things, I would have scored higher and received more scholarships opportunities. Another piece of advice I would have given myself would be to learn the material in high school instead of memorizing. College professors expect you to know the basics before you start class. So knowing the bases of algebra for example would be helpful.