University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh know before they start?

Nicholas

I would say to myself that it is important to put forth the maximum effort right away. That you cannot wait until the last month tof the semester to bring your grades to where you had planned for. I would also tell myself that I should take every opportunity that is presented to me. Looking back on my first semester I realive that I still have alot ahead of me, but I still regret not taking the few chances that I could have taken but didnt. I would lastly say to myself have fun. I love college and think it is amazing. I couldn't see myself anywhere but UW-Oshkosh and love it here.

Kendal

The number one advice I would give to my high school self, would be to learn how to balance you schedule. The hardest part of transitioning from High School to College, was managing my time wisely. During my first year of college I got really involved in clubs and after school activities. I had to learn very quickly to balance class time, homework, studying, and after school clubs and activities. I would recommend getting an agenda or calender and writing down all the things you need to get done, and then plan your time accordingly. In college, the professors are not on top of you if you do not turn in an assignment, like your teacher's were in High School. So I would also recommend looking through your class syllabi and planning for big assignments and projects ahead of time. So overall I would tell myself to begin balancing my time, and planning ahead, to get everything done on time. By taking this advice the transition from High School to College should be just a bit easier.

Austin

Take advantage of all the little things. Utilize any freely given advice, money (scholarships), opportunities, and friendships. Make the most out of everything to better your future as much as possible.

Rebecca

The major advice I would give to my high school self would be to take more AP classes throughout senior year to allow myself to finish my undergraduate degree sooner. By completing more AP classes, I could have passed out of those particular general education courses and allow myself a more flexible schedule in college. Another important thing would be to focus more on extracurricular activities versus focusing one-hundred percent on studying. In this way, I would have been more prepared to get involved in college and allow myself to find which activities I enjoy. This could have helped to point me in the direction of my major at a sooner time. The third thing I would tell my senior self would be to relax and not second guess myself. Senior year was a very stressful and anxiety-filled year for me. Looking back, I am on a path that I feel is entirely compatible for me. I would not change a thing about where I am today. Knowing this, I would advise myself to focus on the most important things, work hard, and to not worry about what is to come.

Erin

Now knowing what I know about college life and making the transition I would tell my high school self to step outside of the box and become more involved and out going. Although I have made amazing friends and great memories I would tell myself to try new things, join more clubs, and get more involved. However, I would also tell myself that freshmen year in college it is important to meet new people and have fun but to not forget the importance of academics and the effect slacking off can cause. Even though some of the general education classes may not seem the most important and interesting, doing well the first couple of years in college will greatly benefit you as you apply to your desired school of the field you would like to pursue.

Gabriel

To my younger self, I write you advice that I know you'd never listen to. I write so that you don't make the same mistakes I did, though I know you're too stubborn to listen. I want you to know that you need to work harder now than ever. Volunteer more than you need to, it will come in handy later, and to find a job as soon as you can. Keep in touch with your teachers, even after you leave, and remind them that they are incredible and life-changing when you can. Above all else, I want you to remember that this is not the end, and that you will survive. You are not going to flunk out of college, and—surprise!--you will win an Academic Merit scholarship for the community college you're going for. I want you to be brave as you go there and remember that you are stronger and smarter than you think, and that you have people who love and support you. In short: depression will not beat you. You will overcome, so don't be afraid.

Daniel

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would say two main things. First, don't let the fear of failure and rejection rule your (my) life. No one has it all together, and the only way to move forward in life and in college is to take chances and realize that I can do it! We have to find the opportunities to make our dreams really happen. We have to dream big and never give up hope. Second, I would have stressed the importance to get involved and cultivate good work habits early. High school is the perfect place to discover and uncover interests and build good habits, because lets face it, once you build a bad habbit (such as skipping class or procrastinating on assignments) its the hardest thing in the world to change your old ways and be motivated to do better. College is so important to our (my) future, and building good work habits early could boost us a step in the right direction by the time college rolls around.

Kenya

Back when I was a high school senior I was starting to get better grades in my classes which was good but I did not prepare myself in making college a less expensive thing for me. If I could go back I would tell myself "Prepare and study well for the college placement tests." Also I would tell myself "Try to get as many scholarships as possible! It will help your stress level go down so much."

Jessica

If I could go back in time and tell my high school self the things I know now, I would have so much to say. I would start off by saying high school is not going to last forever, eventually you will make it in to the real world and not have it so easy. Friends and boyfriends should not be your number one priority and whoever is considered the “cool” kid in high school will probably be shocked when they get into the real world and have to actually use common sense and be knowledgeable. The number one thing I would tell my past self is to please pay attention in math class. Nobody in class wants to look uncool for actually asking questions and wanting to learn but you should not be afraid to stand out. There are many reasons to love college. Meeting new people, starting over, finding and taking classes you enjoy will be so interesting and fun. Get ready to start your life after you graduate high school and be prepared for way more responsibilities. Also, don’t forget to enjoy life because time passes so fast.

Elijah

"Don't take life for granted, have fun. You have a large range of ideas for your career!" That would be something I would tell my former high school self. Knowing what I know now in college, to have fun in your career path. To be wise in a decision that could basically alter your life from beginning to end. Learn as many things in college and in life to better your career. To have a vast knownledge in different subjects can be really beneficial to a job you have or to yourself. Another thing I would tell my past self is that to be wise in your friends, some can bring you down to the slums or there are the friends that can be there for you and help you better yourself. Don't pass up an opportunity that would seem like a mistake but can be an utterly great chance to be succesful in life. So in a nutshell: have fun, be patient to the littel thing in life, and be a anything you want to be in life. So many choices, and they all can be yours! Oh and also dont be late any of your classes.