University of Tulsa Top Questions

Dear Maiten, You need to learn that fate needs a little help sometimes. Maybe applying to only one University just because you thought it was the right fit for you, wasn't the smartest idea. You got accepted to your dream college, and it was a moment of felicity but then, you realized that it would have been better to have more options. That's not that big of a problem now, because you're already in college, pursuing a career that will make you happy and will aloud you to do everything you always wanted, help people who don't have the opportunity you had while also doing what you love, art. You always stayed very busy during high school, two part-time jobs and college level classes were the best thing you could have done. I appreciate that busy life you had during high school because that has prepared me for very busy days, weekends and breaks during college. Get more involve in things, don't be afraid to stand out for what you believe. Do not worry about what people say, those things do not matter when you're in college, and follow your dreams.

If i could go back in time and talk to my self i would say not to be afraid to take chances and don't get hung up on mistakes. Always put yourself out there and take those shots at what ever because in the end it will help you learn that no matter the outcome of chance you still took it and that is sometimes more than what some people can say. Make those mistakes and learn from them you won't be perfect, but college isn't about being perfect. It is about an education. You will learn from your mistakes so take that as some advice or knowledge.

Greg, you are about to study Music Education at The University of Tulsa and the most important thing I can tell you is this: do not worry about money. Those friends that are going to make millions--the girl that you want to provide for--these people may not remain with you forever. Through an arduous process you will discover that money alone is not the reward of a good education. The reward of a good education is to ensure your monetary stability while doing what you love! That is the most fulfilling thing you have ever or will ever experience. For all the days you will spend worrying about your major freshman year, there will be 10,000 more days that you are happy simply because you get to go to work. There are places in the world where people do not get the joy of learning music. You live a blessed life. Focus on giving all of yourself to this education and sharing it with others--you will succeed.

To have studied more while in high school, would defintely be something I would tell myself if I could go back in time to when I was a high school senior. I've worked hard so far in college and I probably would've been happier with scores on tests and my grades even though I did better than I even expected. I have high standards but in high school I will admit I did slack off and I regret that but I'm doing well in college and that is all that matters.

If there's anything I've learned, it's that now-a-days people love concise lists consisting of things they can relate to. The thing about doing this with pieces of advice is that as you type them out, you realize that a lot of the things you "learn" when you go to college are the things that your parents, older family members, and other influential figures told you for the first 18 years of your life and those cliches truly earned their notoriety. So I would advise myself and whoever else to really listen to the words of others even if it at the time it seems like annoying nonsense or irrelevant information. I can type all I want to here but chances are someones mom, dad, grandpa, grandma, english teacher, gym teacher, lunch lady, cab driver, mailman, whoever, has probably already told you in one way or another. So really the greatest piece of advice I could ever give someone in my opinion is to really listen to those around you. You're either going to learn from following someone else's words or learn from ignoring them and well sometimes one's easier than the other.

Don't worry so much. THAT is your biggest obstacle--not tests or projects or papers but a debilitating fear of failure. As soon as you are able to conquer that fear, you will be happier and more successful.

I would tell myself that instead of just deciding to go to a small junior college and then transferring, actually go on a college visit or to college weekends and see what might be out there and available for me. I also would have told myself that the funds to go to college will be there for me if I just work hard with my studies and apply for scholarships. So stop letting fear hold you back and understand that in life sometimes there are risks that I am going to have to take in order to make something of myself. I think the last thing I would tell myself is that my decisions from highschool and college will make a drastic impact on my life going forward so make the best of it and know that I can do anything I set my mind to.

Personally, if I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would advise myself to live on campus. I have found it quite difficult to live off campus because it makes it hard to work on group projects and has also effected my social life. If I started my college career living on campus then I would have been able to focus better as well as be readily available for study sessions and group projects. Also, it would have been easier to make friends. Also, it would make the transition less difficult on my family. Currently I am struggling with finding the courage to inform my parents that I would like to live on campus for the reasons listed. However, if I chose to do it my first year, it would not come across as offensive to them and they would be more understanding.

You listen to me, and you listen to me good! Do not. I REPEAT. Do not let others influence you. You know you have homework to finish, a test to study for, a book to read, and/or a paper to write. Don’t let your friends talk you into going out and not studying for your test. Don’t let your boyfriend sweet-talk you out of doing homework. Don’t let your family distract you from writing your paper. I know that smart little brain of yours is yelling at you to tell them NO. There will be plenty of other times to have fun with your friends, boyfriend, and family. It may be hard to say no to them now, but it’ll be harder on you when you see your grades at the end of the semester. Listen to me on this. I’m older and wiser now, so just listen to me and you’ll thank me later.

As I ponder the subtle nuggets of advice I would relay to my past self, I realize that information abounds. Thoughts flood my mind concerning sleep habits, friendships, self-talk, and free time. First and foremost, the importance of others remains paramount. One cannot succeed on his or her own and must maintain a respect for others. Begin building this habit now as it take a lifetime to master and people will respect you more for it. Secondly, simpletons accumulate knowledge and regurgitate information while scholars gather knowledge, analyze it, and use it to obtain wisdom through experience. Do not allow yourself to become lazy and seek amusement when so much of the world stagnates due to lack of discovery. Finally, actively participate in beneficial hobbies, activities, and social circles. Those one surrounds himself or herself with offer the most influence; either positive or negative. Choose the healthy friends and activities and watch how incredible life becomes. Time one spends earning his or her degree can be a rewardingly fun opportunity. Nonetheless, remember the importance of the active verb "earn." Much of the world assigns an inappropriate and unneeded stigma to the "college experience." Have fun, but earn your future.

I would teel myself: "Sleep. Sleep is going to be your most valuable resource for the next few years of your life. You may stay up and have fun now, but you will soon learn the value of sleep. Sleep and studying will be most of your time if you plan to have good grades. Alas, do not despair, although this may sound bleak, you will have fun. You'll make some new friends, and follow your passion. It'll be hard, it'll be tiring, and most of all it'll be fun."

If I could go back in time and give my high school self advice, I would remind myself that studying is not the end-all, be-all of life. Absolutely, academics are so important and should never be put on the side if a big test or project is approaching. In fact, doing well in school is how I ended up being able to afford college. Studying does not need to be chosen over everything else every time. Give yourself space to hang out with friends and get more involved in community outreach and leadership activities, because relationships with people are much more important than a stellar GPA. It is okay to take a break from trying to exceed every expectation in the classroom and enjoy your life.

The senior year of high school is generally that "limbo" period, where you realize that you must leave this world behind and yet you are at the "top of the food chain." That generally leads most seniors to fall into a pattern of working and hanging with friends. Knowing what I know now, I would have taken these steps: 1) Once you get accepted, imagine that it is a new job and this is your first day. 2) Learn all about your school, now, while you're still in high school. 3) Keep on looking for any and all outside scholarships. 4) Find out what your basic classes are going to be, buy the books now, read them. 5) Get your friends engaged in your new adventure (even if they're going to different schools, they're still your support now). These few steps will get you mentally prepared for the transition into academia. You need to do all that you can so that you avoid that "shock" factor the first day you set foot on campus as an incoming Freshman.

Dear Katie, I know you're really stressed out right now. College is a big step! But don't get too caught up worrying about whether you’ll make friends or whether you're going to do well in your classes. Just enjoy this step of your life. You know you’ve worked hard to get to where you are and no matter what you’re going to continue to work your hardest to get to wherever life takes you. Roll with the punches. You are going to get a few crummy teachers, you might fail a test, and while you'll make some new friends you'll lose others. But those things don’t define this time in your life; don't focus on them. College is a vital time in your life for you to find who you are. You'll meet the most interesting people, try tons of new things, and you may even step into a class one day and realize you've found something you'd be happy doing for the rest of your life. Look forward to it. Change your major if you must. Most of all, keep an open mind. Best regards, Katie

If I could go back and talk to my high school self, first and foremost I would tell myself to enjoy my freshman year of college because it goes by so fast. I would say that I shouldn't be afraid to try new things and talk to new people because part of the fun of college is making friends, discovering who you are, and becoming a well rounded individual. I would say participate in that dance competition and play on that intramural volleyball team, even though you have are terrible at it and it might be embarrassing, because those are the memories about college that you will hold onto for the rest of your life. You will remember that time you got hit in the face with the volleyball and your friends laughed with you about how uncoordinated you were, but you won't remember the hours spent studying for your economics test. Not to say that academics aren't important, because they are. You go to college to learn and to prepare yourself for a career you'll hopefully love, but it's ok to reward yourself with a little fun once in a while too.

Every year that we have to learn and grow, we realize that we know so much more than we did in the previous year of our life. As a senior in high school, I assumed that I knew everything I needed to know about college and finances, unaware that I knew very little. If I could go back in time I would definately put an emphasis on getting a job as soon as possible when you are old enough and saving every penny for your education. I would definately make myself make a payment plan in advance and know just how much aid versus finances needed I had. I would also make sure to let myself know that college is completely different than high school. You have to study and spend a certain amount of hours out of the week doing so in order to maintain high grades. Most classes have nothing but lectures, and in order to pass you only have a few chances throughout the year to turn in work. Therefore, in college you must really have a good start and be prepared.

I would tell myself to always have the future in mind while making the most out of the present. Have a plan and work towards it. While plans may not always work out, its always good to know what you're working toward. Working hard opens doors and opportunities in the future. I would tell myself how important relationships with other people are. Networking and forming friendships are important aspects of life, and you never know who may be able to help you. Keep true to the Golden Rule and remember to help others when you have the opportunity. Amongst all of this, remember that life is short so make the most out of each day, and enjoy it as you go along.

Take action NOW! Do not put off appling for any scholarship for a single second. Scholarships will keep you from ever stressing about what is a loan, how long until you have to pay it back, or where do i even apply for a loan. Make sure to get in contact with the school early so they know you. Make an effort to go on college tours so that your sure that you like the surroundings and the area. Don't limit yourself to in-state schools because of money. Broaden your horizens and look for places even over seas. Find a good hobby that you can do in your free time and people that share that hobby so that you dont go insane. Visit or keep in touch with your family members because they will always be there for you. Don't let your job stres you out to the point that you can't or sleep at night because it wil only hurt you in the long run. develop a study habit while your in high school so that to will just pass on when your in college. Lastly treat each day as a new experience.

If I could go back in time and talk with my past self about college, I would tell myself to stay more focus on school. Friends and socializing is great, and very important when becoming an independant adult; however, college is for education, not socializing. I believe that it is important to have a balence. I would inform myself that I need to stop socializing as much, and focus on studying more. One day I will be out of college, and in the real world; it is important that I am ready for it - socially and finacially.

I would tell myself to keep an open mind. I had always had a vision in my head about what my college experience would be like- the dorm and the awesome roomate, the being away from home and the newfound freedom, the crazy hard classes and all-nighters in the library. But when my experience did not completely add up to my image, I was a little upset. It took me a while to realize that my experience and dreams weren't going to be what I had thought, but instead I could make them anew. From that point, I began to see the benefits to still living at home, and having one foot in the adult life with keeping a job and maintaining good grades in college. I didn't need a dorm and on-campus life to have an amazing first year of college. I was able to have just as good of an experience, if not better, than I had ever imagined. All it took was an open mind and a fresh look on things. So I would tell my senior self to prepare for the greatest first step into my adult life- college at TU!