University of Wisconsin-Madison Top Questions

When I was a high school senior, I did not have the slightest idea what I wanted to do for a career or where to go to college. I started out at the local community college. Two years later, I transferred to the state's university. Knowing what I do now, if I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to stick to the same path. At the time, I was not ready to live on my own or attend a large university many miles from home. By living at home for an additional two years after high school, I was given the opportunity to work several jobs, save money, and focus on school. After attending the state university for one semester, I am certain I took the right road. The transition from living at home to living at a large university would have been overwhelming. I am very pleased with where I am at and would tell my high school self to attend the community college to prepare for life at the state university.

I would advise myself of three important things. First, keep an open mind, no matter what. There is nothing that can be more crippling to an individual in their ability to succeed in college and in life than to reject the valubale ideas, opinions, and information available in the world. Second, take every opportunity to meet new people that you can, though it may be uncomfortable at first. The relationships that I have formed in the past four years have proven to be my most valued college expereince above almost everything else. Lastly, remember to relax and enjoy. We get to live only once, are young only once, and have this sort of freedom only once. Make the most of it!

I would tell myself that the most important thing to remember is don't forget who you are now and why you are going to college. Going into my freshman year I just kept thinking that it would be so great to just start over and meet new people. I was also excited to experience new things and I didn't have the same boundaries that I held in high school. Well that was not a good idea because I did things that I know were wrong and against my morals. I wish I could have told myself to stay close to God and don't do anything that Jesus wouldn't do. The first month of college I didn't even go to church or anything. I know if I would have, I wouldn't have done the things I did because now I don't. I would also remind myself of the reason I am going to college. I have been blessed with this opportunity that many of the people in my family never received and I am there to get a degree so I can get a job that will provide for my family.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to relax and not take everything so seriously. Everything works out in the end and you should enjoy life while it is happening.

I would tell myself that I'm going to end up just fine, regardless of whether I got that A on that last calculus test or biology project. I would stress the importance of doing what I loved, and making choices to pursue what I am passionate about instead of simply focusing on grades, tests, and GPA. Learning in high school should be an introduction to the great variety of subjects in life and I should enjoy it and savor the different aspects by appreciating how great each field can be. I'd also tell myself that this is only the beginning. While I may have felt that I was finally done, I should've realized that high school was more of a preparation stage, the training stage, for so much more. Finally, I would tell myself that high school trends are dumb, popularity is stupid. Eventually, everyone finds their niche in this world and Ishouldn't have to sacrifice who I am to try to conform to groups I don't even care about. While making friends during this memorable time is important, I should always remember who I am, making sure that I am unforgiving in accepting myself.

Gazing across the blue waters of Lake Mendota, the wind stirs the silence, and I recall how frightened I was as a new student, standing on the same cliff. How could I know then, what I know now? If I could go back to my senior year of high school, I would whisper into my ear and provide advice to ease the transition from high school to college. I would tell myself to take a deep breath and remain confident. Confidence would push me to join study groups, clubs and other campus organizations that promulgate social interaction. Becoming engaged with campus groups would connect me to other new students who share my thirst for new friendships. I would also advise myself to keep my values and study hard. Sustaining my moral standards and work ethics would frame my judgment and tell me when to party and when to go the library to study. ?Stay true to yourself,? I would whisper. Today, I am a confident freshman with a 4.00 GPA and many new friends. I am following my own advice with both passion and purpose.

Don't be nervous, you are going to make plenty of friends and have a lot of fun at college. Don't go over board with spending your money save it up so if you get to study abroad in the Summer and so you can buy a football ticket. Football ticket go on sale in the summer so get on that ASAP. Also don't eat too much of the school's food it seems that it is making you gain some weight so try to go shopping for food at the grocery store...NOT WALGREENS, they will rip you off. Chemistry and Statics are going to be some tough classes so get help right away and don't procrastinate on any assignments. Good luck chica and have a great time. Peace

It?s a few minutes after three and I should be out of the doors any minute. I?m not sure why I feel so nervous waiting for myself after school, what did I want to say again? Ok breathe, I?m going to tell myself that I know I?m having senioritis and I?m not quite ready to leave high school but I have to push past that and really focus on scholarships. I?ll promise that they help, a lot, and mom and I won't be as stressed. I have to say that college is more difficult than high school and it takes some adjusting but I should be in the swing of things by second semester. I don?t want to scare myself so I?ll mention that I?ll make some really good friends and my high school friends are always there when I?m feeling home sick. Most importantly I can?t always be focused on school; I have to get out and try new things and not wait to join the sailing club! Ok I?m not nervous anymore, and perfect timing because I see myself now!

Dianna don't worry. College won't be hard as long as you, schedule classes consecutively, if you have a two hour break it will be hard for you to get up and go to the last class. Make going to the library a weekday nightly thing, so that every day you are making sure you are academically invested in your work. Don't be afraid to ask for help and you can always drop a class if you've exhausted all academic options. Remember to keep a day to yourself where you can relax and do whatever. The freshman fifteen is very real so schedule working out like a class. Don't pick a job that's frustrating if you must work (and preferably one that doesn't require much work.) Explore the campus and accept that this is where you're at. Life is what you make it. So even if you hate it, keep your future in mind. College will be a great experience.

I would caution myself against staying in my dorm for the first week and being withdrawn in class. In the beginning is when everyone is out and about, meeting people, etc. and it's easier to make friends right away than to try and insert yourself later. Also being more vocal in class earlier, especially in large lectures, brings you to the attention of the professors and opens the communication lines between you. A professor is more likely to spend extra time working with a student who stands out to them than one that just fades into the mist.