University of St Thomas-Saint Paul Top Questions

First of all I would take every single class very seriously. And take more of the advanced classes such as the IB (International Baccalaureate) courses that my High School offers. I would have also made stronger relationships with my teachers such as I have been doing in college. Even though I was involved in helping the community by being in charge of the AVID reciclying team for High School and being the head organizer for the Cinco de Mayo Student Showcase for two consecutive years, I would have liked to have joined other programs and organizations to improve the community. I would have also prepared myself a lot more for the ACT test.

If I was given the chance to give advice for college to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to reach out for help and look at the way I study. Transitioning into a new environment with difficult classes and an untreated learning disability made it difficult for me to establish effective study habits. During my first year, I didn't figure out that college was a lot tougher than high school until it was too late. My first semester grades were so terrible, I'm surprised I wasn't put on academic probation. After having good grades in high school, I was incredibly ashamed when my academic advisor contacted me and asked if I needed help. I didn't realize until the end of second semester that I would have to change my study habits and receive help for my learning disability, if I wanted to do better in school. Since then, my grades have significantly improved but it's been difficult to obtain my desired GPA with my Freshman grades weighing everything else down. If I could go back, the one thing I would tell myself is to seek help in any way possible.

Apply to more colleges and scholarships. Don't be lazy. Get more involved in the college selection process because it WILL determine the rest of your life! Consider more out of state schools and study abroad.

Don't get discouraged, things get better!

Knowing what I know now both about college and life after college without a degree, I would tell myself to be more outgoing and talk to people. I only spent two years at the high school I graduated from and didn't know many people. I was not outgoing so I didn't talk to many people, I just kept to myself. When I went to college, I continued down that same path. I didn't know anyone that was going to the same college as I did so I didn't have many friends at school. Most of my friends were back home. Because of this, I didn't really want to be away at school; I wanted to be home. I let this and other outside factors affect my desire to be there and I ended up leaving school prior to completing my degree. Now, almost 20 years after graduating from high school, I would tell myself to get more involved in high school so I would have the experience and skills needed to make new friends. I think I might have stayed in college and finished my degree.

Put 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} effort into your classes from day one up to the final. Your hard work will pay off and save you a ton of stress in the end. Also any of your old high school ways where you just do enough to get by will not work at all. Studying the day before tests is awful. Also from what ive heard its a better idea to room with someone you know. Most people hate their random roommate. Also get involved with campus actitivities the first week of college and meet friends. Those first few days will make the difference in meeting friends and getting involved.

Do what you find interesting, not what is practical. It will work out better in the long run.

I would tell myself to allow yourself to have fun, but make a commitment to your education. By going to college you are not merely receiving an education from that institution, but you will also be experiencing many different situations that will help you grow into a mature and responible adult. In summary, make the most out of your whole college experience.

Take high school more seriously! Some of these teachers actually do know what they are talking about. It will be extremely beneficial if you go into college remembering some of the things that you learned in high school. Learn some good study skills, so you don't have to spend your first semester trying to figure out the best way to study. Make life-long connections with some of your high school teachers and do NOT burn bridges. While it is important to take academics and extra-curriculars seriously; have a little fun outside of school, go out with your friends and enjoy them. It won't be long before you are all in different cities making new friends. Live up your last year of high school and make memories that you can take with you to college. Finally, work hard when you get there. Study, meet new people and enjoy St. Thomas as much as I know you are going to!

Always Always always go to class!! Even if you aren't in the mood, you absorb information just by being there. You don't need to take all of your generals right away. Generals as a senior gives you a break from your concentration classes and can be a nice breather. Don't care about making friends with the 'popular' kids on campus. Find friends who are similar to you and appreciate you for who you are.. not what you have.