University of Wisconsin-Madison Top Questions

I would definitely focus and try really hard my first year at school. I would also remind myself that meeting a group of friends the first year is very important. Help is also always here when needed and studying definitely pays off.

I would tell myself that there is absolutely nothing wrong with taking time off to work or travel before college. In college, you're making decisions that will stick with you for the rest of your life. Most people believe that it needs to be completed between the ages of 18-22. You won't believe this now, but 18-22 is YOUNG! It's a period of time when you aren't so much physically growing, but mentally growing. Released from the small pond of high school, you're figuring out what you like and don't like as an individual, and what you're good at. So, buck conventional rules: use this time for self-exploration. There's no need to rush college!

There are two things I would have done slightly differently. I would remind myself to apply for more scholarships and grants, because college is expensive. Every bit of money helps, as it's difficult to work and go to school in addition to being a part of the ROTC program. The other bit of advice I would have given myself would be to take the tests in my AP classes, the more credits, the sooner you can pick classes, which would have made it easier to get into a few of the more popular/fun classes.

First of all, keep an open mind about where you will end up. I know you're dying to get away from home right now, and to branch out and see the world, but no matter where you end up, college will present so many new and exciting opportunities! It doesn't matter if you end up in New York or California, or you end up staying close to home, because just being at college will open up the world to you. Once you get to college, it's all about spontaneity! Be willing to try new things at the drop of a hat, accept social invitations and take any and every opportunity that presents itself to you, because that it your opportunity to experience the world, and opportunities in your college community can lead to opportunities throughout the world! Don't be afraid to put yourself in a potentially uncomfortable situation, it just might turn out be the best thing you've ever done in your life - I speak from experience! Finally, it can be hard, but try not to worry about making up your mind about your future, you have time, and it's all about the journey!

I would tell myself to get a head start on being organized. Being organized in college is huge and in highschool being organized was just not a priority. Since coming to college, having bad organization habbits has hit me hard and it is somthing i continually work at. I feel if I had been more prepared for that aspect of being grown-up, I would have potentially been much more sucessful.

Study in order to truly understand, not simply to get the A or pass. While that may seem like an obvious statement, it is the primary thing I learned during my first year at school. In high school, my focus was to get the best grade possible. I memorized as much as I needed so I could do well on that next exam. What I know now is that the education I am receiving is worth nothing if I do not understand it. While reading the textbook with the goal of genuine comprehension may be more time-consuming and not always the most exciting thing, it is the satisfaction of really understanding the material that makes the work worth it. Walking away from a final and leaving with knowledge of the subject that will not be forgotten because it was understood, rather than crammed the night before, is more satisfying than any A. Had I come to that realization before starting my freshman year, I would have walked away with fewer forgotten facts and a greater grasp of the material. College is about learning, and approaching the work with that goal in mind will lead to exactly that.

There's some good, and some bad coming your way. You need to go to counseling to deal with issues from your past that have recently come back to haunt you. Don't let your past control your future. Don't participate in drinking and drug parties. Doing so will only make life more difficult. Please, go to class. Be sure to keep your bright outlook on life no matter how dire the situation. It has helped you through many hardships. Stay in shape. It will bring you good times. Keep exploring the world and don't think your father knows everything. He doesn't.

Honestly, I think the way I went in to college was the exact right way to do it. I was overconfident about my abilities and viewed attending college not as an opportunity but as a right. I found out quickly that college is different than high school, and learned to thrive in the new environment. I got better grades, made better friends, and had so much fun. I also had the opportunity to play volleyball in college and turned all of the offers down because I wanted to go to UW-Madison so badly. I think that choice helped me more than any other I have made. I used to live on the feeling of competeing and I learned to apply that to my studies rather than on the volleyball court. I play intramurals and have a great time with my friends.

The biggest advice that I could give is for a student. When you visit college campuses, you will arrive to one and just KNOW that it feels right. You will feel a sense of compassion, community, diversity, intelligence, but most important, security. I think if you feel comfortable with your surroundings, you will have a very successul college career, and your parents won't have to worry about you as much! As a college student, you also have to remember to work hard to acheive your goals. A lot of the times, college is portrayed as a place to only socialize and party, and many times, that proves true. If you want to make it in the real world, though, you have to work harder than you play, especially because you don't really have to complete homework, just study. Something I wish I would have done earlier is to get to know your professors, for they provide a great network for your potential careers. Remember to not hesitate to ask for help, get involved in extracurriculars, and VOLUNTEER! It feels great to lend a helping hand. Finally, don't forget to thank your parents for helping you succeed :)

To find the right college always research, research, research. You don't have to attend a big league school to be considered smart or anything. Any school that offers what you're looking for is fine. If you know what you want to do, attend a school that is known for that specific field, If you're unsure maybe attend a big school that offers many majors so you can explore and learn new and different things. I believe living in the dorms for your first year is always a good way to get use to the campus and meet lots of people. You learn more about your collegues and your surroundings affect while in school. For me going home would be my rest time and while I was at school/campus it would be my academic time. Living in the dorms also expose you to new and different people from around the US and even the world, it's a cool way to meet new friends and learn about peoples cultures.