University of South Dakota Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of South Dakota know before they start?

Kelsey

I would tell myself to take looking for a college seriously and to start studying harder. When I was looking for colleges I really didn't care and I just picked one for no reason. I should have taken it more seriously and looked for one that I was going to be really happy with. When I was in high school I never had to study for anything and I got a's. This first semester of college has kicked my butt. I was not ready to spend several hours studying and I didn't think I would have to apply myself as much as is required in college. I would have told myself to start studying then and not put it off until it's too late.

John

First of all I would say that college is way different than high school. It is much more difficult. To do well in school you have to have good time management. There will be much more material and you will go over it a fast pace. You have to stay up-to-date on your work. A good way to help remember things is to go over your notes before and after class. Studying is a must for college and don't skip classes either. In addition to studying, you need to be social if you want to have to full, successful college experience. It's ok to get out and talk to people. Joining groups is a great way of meeting new people that have the same interests. Also, make good friends that won't take you away from your goals. Don't let your peers make you do things that make you unsure. Your friends should try to help you just as you should help others. Again, use your time wisely between studying and your social life. Don't let one take over the other. Make smart decisions so you can make your college experience successful.

Stephen

Get your licence now, it'll simplefy things later. Get a job, and try to save as much as possible. Do your scholarship hunting NOW. It's better to not have any time now than no money later. Most of all, just trust God and remember that His timing is perfect, even when it doesn't seem like He's doing anything.

Beverly

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, know what I know now about the transition in college life, I would have made myself get a steady job and save every cent. College is expensive and scholarships are sometimes hard to win. I would've made myself buckle down and be really serious about bumping up my GPA so that I could qualify for a lot more scholarships. I definitely wouldn't have told myself to just have fun and enjoy the "senioritis". Senior year is not all about fun and games like we think when we're seniors. It should be all about college. Every minute I wasn't in school I would've been online looking up jobs and scholarships so that I wouldn't have to worry about it all last minute like I am now. I would've been sure to prepare myself for all the work transitioning into college takes. It takes alot of legwork that I didn't think it would. I wish I could go back in time to senior year sometimes.

Chelsea

Dear Self, Keep up the hard work because it all pays off in the end, and don't worry about small things. Being captain of the tennis team, yearbook editor, senior class historian, a NHS member, and much more may feel like all the hard work isn’t' going to pay off, but the valuable time management, leadership, and organization skills you will learn will do nothing but help you adjust to college. It will also make you want to get involved in college organizations, which is a great way to make friends and network. Trying hard in high school may seem "overrated" or "uncool" to some people, but the grades you earn influence the scholarships you receive which will become very important to you once you realize that everything comes with a price, believe me. While being involved and getting good grades is important, you need to make sure you have fun, and don't worry about little things. In the end you wont remember that one bad quiz grade, but you will remember all the fun you had at homecoming and prom. All in all, you should work hard, but don't be afraid to have some fun.

Amy

“Don’t look so surprised,” I tell the person staring at me, who happens to be myself. Myself, but one year younger, one year dumber. “I'd like to give you some advice.” “Okay,” she shrugs and listens, a rare occurrence. Meeting yourself, I suppose, would shock you into silence. “Don’t be an idiot.” The girl across from me laughs. “You have a lot of faith in yourself.” “Yeah,” I smirk. “But you don’t. Going to college - you’re worried about it. I know, I was there. Please, don’t force yourself to fit in with a certain group of people. You were made to stand out. You'll find some awesome friends in the coming year. Be yourself. Classes are important, but don’t forget about the most important thing. I know you’ve been doubting him a bit right now, but God knows what he’s doing. Trust him. Get your school work done, but don’t obsess over it. You’re smarter than you think - your grades will be fine. Remember what’s most important. Trust God.” “Trust God, work hard, be yourself?” the high school me repeats. I smile. “Now make the idea reality.”

Kayla

I have made so many friends through my experience. I have grown to be such an strong women, and to believe in what I believe in and to stand up for those things. College is something that everyone should try, its not for some people but the friends that you make, you will have forever. It really just makes you who you are, and makes you grow stronger from the inside out. I have made wonderful friends, and am growing so much closer to becoming an intensive care nurse someday. The most valuable thing is that I am getting my education, and I am getting closer with every class I take.

Rachael

I have gotten so much out of my college experience. I have met a ton a interesting people that have made my college experience absolutely enjoyable. My college has been so valuable to attend because I am recieving a great education at the University of South Dakota

melissa

I am currently enrolled at San Joaquin Valley College. I have been a student since August of '09. So far I have learned quit a few topics. To this day I have learned how to run a medical ofice, how to set up procedure trays, and how to handle theeveryday situations that go on in the office. I feel like my attendance is very crucial to maintain a comfortable living situation. Attending college is very important now in days to live a comfortable life. Missing a day of class is like missing a months worth of knowledge. Attending everday is important so I could get all the needed knowledge to be the best medical assistant I could be. I need to take in all knowledge so I could be the best suited MA to not only to the desired facility, but the patients as well.

Eden

my college experience has been not only a learning process, but discovering my self. For instance i now discovered my interesting which i didn't know before. And also this college experience helped me to know about other's people cultures and belifs and thats the benfit that i gained because of the diversity at my school. It is very valuable the fact that i am attening college, because to get where i want to get in future and to accompalish my goals enrolling in college is very essential.