University of St Thomas-Saint Paul Top Questions

When I first thought about college, it seemed like such a big step that I didn't want to take. I procrastinated on finding the right place and on looking for scholarships and applications. It was the winter of my senior year of high school when I finally decided where I wanted to go. I had only visited the two colleges I applied to. For me, it was one of the biggest transitions of my life because I had never switched schools before. The best advice I could give to a high school senior would be to start early. Look at a lot of college options. Narrow down your options to what you want. Make sure you visit the place and consider your finances. Apply for as many scholarships as possible. Once you've decided on a college, make peace with yourself. Don't worry. If you have enough money, try to live on campus. Get involved right away in activities that interest you so that you can meet new people who share your beliefs. Don't forget to study but have some fun also. That way you can call this place not only your school, but your home.

When I was a senior in high school, I did not think much of college. To me, college was a distant event. I postponed examining what I wanted in my future because I fooled myself into believing that no decisions were needed just yet. Because of this, I missed some big opportunities. The greatest advice that I could give my high school senior self would be to decide exactly what I want out of college and stick to it. Two thirds of the colleges that I applied to were big name universities: giant, city-wide schools with sprawling maps and large buildings. However, I did not tour a single one of them until spring break of my senior year, which is a pretty late time to realize that I loathe large schools. It was lucky for me that I had applied to one other small, private school that suited me more. If I had only realized my feelings sooner, I could have had a much greater variety of schools to choose from and would have saved myself the application fees.

I believe, if I could talk to myself prior to attending college, I would have a number of things to bring up. First, I would tell myself to get the most out of my college experience as I can. Although four years might seem like a long time, I can attest through my own experience that time moves much faster than you would expect. My first three years at the University of St. Thomas flew by, and now, with only one semester left, I am startled at this loss of time. I would also tell myself to prepare financially for college. Sure, it seems nice to think that you can simply pull out a loan and all of your troubles will go away. In reality, however, four years worth of loans will really add up once you've finished college. I'm still worried about having to pay off these educational expenses starting next year. Finally, I would tell myself not to worry too hard about making friends. I feel, in a community like St. Thomas, it is very easy to meet new people, and not worth fretting over. I believe that having this advice would be very helpful.

Nicole- You deserve to be happy and healthy. Right now, going to college in Kansas is not right for you. I know all of your friends will be there, but dont go because of them. Take a break, get healthy, find the real you and then reapply to colleges when you are ready. Taking a break will not make you a failure. It does not mean you are stupid. I promise, getting healthy now and seperating yourself from your high school friends will save you years and years and years of suffering. College will always be there. I love you- Nicole from your future P.S. Dump Tim now and be true to yourself. Come out, get healthy and start dating!!!!!!!!

A few words that my mother wrote in my graduation card come to mind as I read this question, "stick to who you are, but be open and ready to try new things". This was inspirational at first but I look back at the letter now and can really understand the major truth behind it. My first semester has been a fact finding mission of tearing throw novels and research papers but look around and see the great talent you are working with and embrace it. I have found many great friends and even characters and now I am ready to go back to school with a little experience and hope to prosper even more.

I know you think college is going to be this great opportunity for you to start over, and it is, but make good decisions with this new beginning. Be yourself! Not everyone has matured since graduation. There are people who act like they're still in the hallways of their high school, but those aren't the people you should feel like you need to impress. In fact, you shouldn't feel like you need to impress anyone. You are a shining star. People will like you for you. Just be yourself. Shine with your heart and break through the clouds your past has donned on you. Take a minute to reflect on the people from high school who truly cared about you: stay in touch with them and forget the rest of them. College will give you that new beginning you've been hoping for. Embrace it! And when you make new friends, hang onto them. They'll love you through it all, terrible pasts and promising futures. But above all else, remember to love yourself.

If I had the chance to go back in time and give myself advice as a high school senior the first thing I?d say is take PSEO. PSEO stands for Post-Secondary Enrollment Option this a good way to get a jump start on college credits and a way to save some money. Having a jump start in college also helps with obtaining a college degree in four years easier and less stressful. I would also stress to my senior self that the ACT is nothing to take lightly. I took the ACT not as serious as I should have. My score was subpar, enough to get me into college, but with minor consequences. I would also tell myself that high school is no joke and it does set you up for college even though at the time it does not seem like it does. College is a big deal, something that shouldn?t be taken for granted. College costs a lot and is worth the money; the education you receive not only in college but high school as well sets you up for your future in any field you desire to be in.

If I could go back in time and speak to myself as a high school student I would tell myself how much life and school is going to change. I would challenge myself to pursue my high school education to its fullest to te very last day. I would remind myself that although college is just around the corner, my last year of high school will prepare me to be ready for the more challenging studies that were to come. I would also give myself a bit of prewarning that being at college there will always be a lot of distractions from studies, but if you study hard and don't let outside influence effect your education, you'll make it just fine and actually succeed with flying colors. I would tell myself that with a little bit of courage, a whole lot of determination and dedication, you can fully harness everything that gettin a college education has to offer.

Take all the challenging classes that you can because it will help you in the long run and it will prepare you as well for college. As you can see, college is tough and moves at a faster pace than that of highschool. Start to use your time outside of school more wisely and doing so will better your time management skills. Sooner or later, you'll find out time is expensive once you've entered the college life. Apply to as many scholarships as you can no matter how little the amount is. They can add up to a huge amount and help you pay off your books tremendously. No senior slide. Finish your last year strong! Your gpa that you end up with will determine your final acceptance to the schools. Look good on your resume by volunteering. That's part of helping the community and that's what today's societies appresciates; being part and giving back to the community. Study hard for your ACT and achieve high. Didn't do so well on your first, no problem. Go for a second. Always work hard in life no matter what position you're in.

Don't be afraid to look at a variety of schools and don't be afraid to follow the norm of what your friends are doing. There may be a reason that the masses are going to one school or another.