University of Wisconsin-Madison Top Questions

As a freshman, everything is new and exciting. You are meeting so many new friends and doing so many new things for the first time. You are learning you way around, learning what there is to do on campus, and learning new things in school in a different format. All of this is extremely exciting and fun and you have no time to be sad about anything. Being away from home seems like a piece of cake. You have no time to be home-sick becuase everything is so different. Your parents are in Maryland, your friends are dispersed up and down the east coast and you are in Wisconsin but none of that seems to matter because of all the new things that are surrounding you. After a summer at home, the beginning of sophomore year is a shock; you will be living in an apartment for the first time which will be an adjustment from what you knew at from freshman year. That is when you realize every year will be an adjustment. Things are not as new and exciting and although you have no problems with school, you are extremely home-sick for friends and family.

I would tell myself that its a good thing that I'm going to a college where I don't know many people. I will be able to meet new people, make new friends, and have a lot of new and great experiences I wouldn't have if I just hung out with people I knew from high school, and I'll be a better person in the long run having stepped out of my comfort zone like that. I would have also told myself to try everything; there are so many opportunities on campus, and this is a place where you can really discover who you are. Join groups, go to lectures, go to plays, hang out in your dorm with new people, do things you wouldn't normally do. Those turn out to be some of the best experiences of college.

I would tell myself to make sure that my FAFSA is done on time, exactly in the month of January. The earlier, the better because I have had too many times where I recieved my financial aid late and was in a financial bind because my financial aid was processed late. I would also say to help prevent the financial aid binds is to apply for scholarships more often. I am fortunate that my father helps pay for my education but applying for scholarships will help pay for most of the expenses that is required for college and there will less worrying about money and more worrying about that next test.

Don't be shy! Get out there and try as many Studnet Organizations as possible. There are so many interesting people and amazing opportunities out there. You don't have to be coordinated to take ballroom dance lessons. You will really enjoy that Buddism lecture. March to the capital. You'll remeber it for the rest of your life. Sailing? Yes. Studnet Organanizations are always looking for new members and really do want you to be a part of their group. College is aboout more than what you learn in the classroom. In fact, you will learn the most useful and enduring skills while particiapting in leadership positions, internships, and at campus events.

I would tell myself to focus on meeting people and making friends, to put myself out there, and to challenge myself to explore everything that college has to offer before settling down into a routine of pushing myself academically. College is set up so you can have time to try new things before you need to really start to focus, so taking a grueling schedule early on does nothing but make you unhappy and prevent you from making friends. Also, there are so many cool classes and majors that you've had no exposure to in high school, so going into college thinking you know what you want to do is unrealistic. The best thing to do is to go in with an open mind, talk to people you never would have talked to before, and go where the road takes you.

To be honest, I wouldn't change a thing! I think a part of transitioning from high school to college is all about the learning process! You discover who you are when you move into a 'bigger world.' I made the most of my education by getting involved in academic clubs, research, social clubs, and attended several sporting events. I definately made mistakes along the way, but they have helped to shape who I am and have made me a more responsible, mature adult today. Growing is an ever-changing process whether you are 18 entering college, a new college graduate, or an adult embarking upon family, careers, grandchildren, etc.! I think if you choose to react appropriately to your life circumstances and learn from the past, your future will open many new doors!

If I could travel back in time and have a conversation with myself when I was a high school senior, there is one piece of advice that I would tell myself above all others: take life one day at a time. It?s all too easy to get caught up in a blur of pressures and deadlines, especially as a college student. If I would have learned to take things one day at a time before college, I would have saved myself a lot of stress. It seems so simple, but it?s a process; it?s not an epiphany that happens overnight. Even today I am still learning to just do the best I can with what I have each day and not to worry too much about tomorrow. I believe this is a key aspect in becoming an optimistic person and one of the most important realizations for everyone to have as they mature into young adults.

Most important advice I would give myself is even though learning and getting good grades is important, a large part of college life is meeting lifelong friends. Sometimes I let schoolwork get in the way of going out and meeting new people and having fun and joining groups. Getting involved in more campus groups introduces you to all sorts of potential friends. Obviously being at a school like mine it is very important to do well and get good grades but the friends you meet in college are friends for life.

I would definitely reassess my academic choices and have taken the maximum AP classes or CAPP classes allowed. I would also have taken all AP tests available and studied so I would be able to achieve the highest points available for college credits. I would have been more proactive in checking out any high school programs that would have given me any edge in college. My high school wasn't as academically competitive as some but with more diligence on my part I would have found programs and activities that would have put me in sophomore standing or as near as possible when entering my freshman year. This has been a problem with obtaining some of the courses I have needed to enroll in.

First of all, be careful who your friends are, because you will grow to be like tham. Secondly, know that jealousy is a weak emotion, that serves no purpose and will only control you. Thirdly, take the hardest classes that you can in the most diverse fields that you can. You have no idea what you will major in when you get to college. Fourthly, remember to treasure the time you are given and take nothing for granted. Remember that everything is in a constant state of change. You have no idea how your friends or lifestyle will change from year to year. Love your life. Live your life. It is the only one you get and it would be a shame to waste it.