University of St Thomas-Saint Paul Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of St Thomas-Saint Paul know before they start?

Kellie

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to stay focused on school. It is so easy to slip into the "senior slide" because of all the excitement of graduating. I did take AP courses and I would assure myself that was the right thing to do. I'd even reccommend taking more as well as focusing on my grades in College in the Schools Spanish. I would also tell myself not to stress out so much because everything will work out for the best. Lastly, I'd make sure I would have focused more on networking. It is so important to branch out and make connections with new people, because you'll never know when you'll need some piece of information that they might have. Mostly, I'd tell myself to keep pushing through and don't slack off!

Lauren

If I could go back in time and give myself advice I would have told myself that although this new step in life is huge and life-changing, it is also not a matter of life and death. I used to think college was scary and picking the wrong college or major would result in an unsatisfying career and lifestyle. However, looking back I would recommend to that worried teenager to just breathe and accept what happens because the choices I made then were only the first I would have to answer to. Even though I sometimes feel as though I am jumping into things head-first and it scares me, it is still worthwhile.

Meghan

No matter how much effort or work you put into getting ready for college it is all pointless because until you get everything unpacked in your dorm room and your parents walk out that door, there is no way to prepare yourself for what you will feel. So stop worrying, you will be fine, and keep your head held high even through all the hardships you may endure.

Christiaan

I would advise myself to treat everything as a new experience and to be open to as many experiences as possible right away. The sooner you get involved on campus, the more easily you will adjust, make friends and make the new college a home for yourself. Be selfish in the sense that this is the one time in your life when you can be yourself, be who you want to be and do what you want to do. You're here to learn for yourself, not for anyone else. So enjoy this time and explore who you are. Get help when you need it. Make sure you discipline yourself to study a fair amount of hours each day. If you are having a hard time, get actively involved in helping yourself out to do better in classes. Make sure that if you get homesick, try to fight that off and gain independence to live on your own. Stay involved with friends and make sure you have things to do, especially early on.

Louise

When I made my college decision, I really didn't now what factors would be important to me once I got to college. Now that I'm here, there are definitely a few things I wish I had known would matter to me. For instance, if there's something extracurricular that you enjoy doing, definitely make sure to choose a college that will make it possible for you to continue doing that. Personally, I really love horseback riding, but being at a college in the city I'm unforunately unable to continue that activity. I never even considered that when choosing a college. I took the transition process very slowly - buying my college gear and packing over a long period of time rather than hurrying it all at once - and I'm very glad I did that. It made the whole thing much less of a shock and allowed me to prepare myself for leaving home. College is totally different from high school, so there's really no good way to effectively prepare yourself before you get there - you just have to be willing to take each change and adapt accordingly.

Vera

Apply to college early. look at all your options and listen to your parents advice. Visit colleges and see which one you like best...its very important to like your school and feel part of it. I would apply to the University of St. Thomas right away and not wait to go through 2 other colleges to finally find the one you love. I would tell myself that college is very different than high school but also silimar in a way because it requires a lot of detication and determination to finish it and build your career afterwards.

Alicia

The biggest piece of advice I could give to myself as a senior in high school is that you should do everything you can to make yourself a more well-rounded person. I would tell myself to take as many AP classes that I could so that I could have those credits trasnfered to college. I would also tell myself that even though you may already be accepted to a college, that does not mean you should slack off.

Hayley

If I were able to talk to my senior self I would recomend trying as many new things as I possibly could. The best way to find out who you truly are, is to try new and different things. There is no better time to get to know yourself than in the most transitional phase of your life. Make sure you find a school that gives you the opportunity to learn and grow in all aspects like academics, athletics, involvement, etc. Find a school that you are proud of, because if you're not proud of yourself for going there, do you really think an employer will be interested? Be sure to use all your schools resources to make the best informed decision you can. It's really important during your college search that you make your school decision based on your own interests. You are the person who will be attending the school for the next four (plus) years, so you will want to be sure that you enjoy it. Finding the right school for your interests and your plans of future is key to finding happiness for the future. Good luck, and you know what to do!

Ashley

The most important thing that I would tell myself is to not to worry about getting straight A's in college. Even though you had straight A's in high school doesn't mean you will in college. You actually will enjoy the classes you take because you get to pick your major and what you want to focus on. The important thing is to learn, not getting A's all of the time. This is the hardest thing that I had to get through my head, but once you stop stressing about the letter grade and you know you're doing your absolute best, the class room becomes so much more enjoyable. I would also tell myself that it is extremely important to make new friends. Old high school friends might be there to talk to you but they may not be able to be there for you all of the time. You need to learn to let go. Friends are important because they not only are there to study with you but they take away some of the stress that college may bring you. Friends can enhance your college experience both in and out of the classroom.

Erin

Please, Do not stress over all the possible college options you have. Tours are the best option, the give you a real feeling for the school. Also, be organized! Keep track of the schools and scholarships you have applied for. When you get to school, get involved in fun clubs and organizations. Explore campus, and take advantage of all the ammenities you are paying for. Living on campus allows you to make many new friends, and clubs will help too. Remeber, the most important thing about college is your classes. Focus on them first, and study hard! Use the academic resources the school provides. Surround yourself with people who value their health and who concentrate on their academics. College is fun! Meet lots of new friends, and be involved: it will help you find a great career opportunity. Have a great time, good luck at school!

Jessica

I would tell myself to get more involved with the campus life, to study even more, and to not go home as much. Though I'm happy right now I do wish I would have tried more things on campus as a freshman. I am happy with my grades but with the things I struggled with I do believe they can always be improved upon. And I as a freshman I wish I wouldn't have gone home as much because then I would have been able to be more active in school activies and not miss so much.

Brad

"I would like to begin by telling you to enjoy the ride. Four years goes faster than you think and there's nothing we can do to speed up or slow down this experience. It's easy to get caught up in the college ideal and stray from one's beliefs. Which brings me to my second pice of advice, be yourself. The transition into college leaves many high school friendships to come and go just as the four seasons. The everwanting need to fit in and develop new and important friendships doesn't mean that you have to compromise yourself. I have seen people change their values, beliefs, and entire lifestyles because of this desire for status and friendship . Although these people appear happy and successful in the eyes of other students, they're simply putting on a facade . What I'm trying to say is simply be a good yourself and enjoy the time that you have because time is the one thing you can never buy back. No matter how many friends or how many zero's you have on your paycheck, time is fixed, so make the most of it."

Meghan

If I could go back in time and give myself advice, I think I would tell myself to work harder at getting internships. I believe that if I had actually done internships during my highschool years that it would have been easier to know which field of study I wanted to go into by the time I got to college. Also, I would tell myself to not be so afraid and nervous for college because it really isn't that different from what I was already doing in high school.

Angelina

I would of looked more carefully at each of the colleges tuition online. Join any Summer program before Freshman year in college. Research more about how to pay for college besides scholarships. Have a goal in mind.

Bronwyn

My advice to my high school senior self would have been to look at more colleges and universities. To do more campus tours and really learn what I like in a school before I settle on one. I wouldn't let myself settle for what I like or, think is good for me. I would tell myself to look really hard and really think about each and every school I was applying to. To really make sure they are what I want, what I like, and what is good for me. Not only in an academic sense, but to look at all of these aspects in a social sense as well. I would tell myself to do what is best for me, not what I think is the best.

Jennifer

I would advise myself to make better use of the department tutors and writing centers. That would have helped me make sure my freshman year work was top quality. I would also advise myself to take an easier couseload my first semester since there are so many adjustments to get used to. It is also easy to lack on sleep in college so to make sure I get an adequate amount everynight to prevent sickness and help manage stress. Getting involved on camps is one of the most important things to do!!

Joseph

I would tell myself to not slack off as much in high school. I would have studied more so those study skills would have transfered over to college. In college you have to study way more than you do in High School. That is one thing that I need to improve on and wish I did more of in high school.

Emily

Me as a high school student, i went through lot. I had my share of struggles, i had people telling me that i wasn't going to be able to even make it past high school. I proved them wrong. today in my college life i am working alli can and the best i can to prvde for myself. If i had the chance to give my high school self advice. would tell myself to be a better student, give myself options to make others proud. I would tell myself not to be lazy or selfish and get a job to help me in the future. Keep my mind on what i ant to make of myself. Think of how better i can live my life and help others in my career. I woud tell myself not to let anyone bring me down. I know i can do alot and i never ask for anything because I keep my head hih so i would ell myself t be te best i an be and make people proud. Thank you for giving me this chance.

Cecelia

Dear Ce Ce, The time is approaching for you to make your final decision in regards to which college you will be attending next year. Go with your gut feeling on this and I promise you will not be disapointed. College is a lot different from high school and it will be a challenge at first to keep up with everything. Here are some of my strategies to help you along the way knowing what I know now about college life. First of all, be yourself and friends will come naturally. I know that was one of your biggest worries but if you make the choice I think you're going to make, you will be fine. Second, make sure to do your Webassign and any other homework the night it is assigned if at all possible. Third, make use of all the tutors and other resources the college provides and don't be afraid to admit that you need help with your studies. Fourth, talk to your professors and get to know them better. They can help you in the longrun. Good luck and stop worrying so much! Future Ce Ce p.s. Get the tupperware!

Anne

I would tell myself to never pass up an opportunity to be kind to others. Also, i would tell myself to continue working and studying hard because it will pay off in the end!