University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Top Questions

As a senior in high school, I was able to be in the Youth Options program which allowed for me to attend UW-Waukesha and earn college credit while still being enrolled at my high school. My senior year, I finished 15 college credits while working full-time and really not having to attend my high school. The only advice I would have given myself is to take another 3 credit class and to improve my studying techniques a little more. Having had this experience, it prepared me a lot for what was to come entering into a 4-year University and the courses that would be coming my way. Looking back at how i moved through my senior year, I would not have changed it; this was the best experience for me and it allowed for me to get ahead in my education and will leave me at a junior standing in the 2014/2015 school year at the age of 19 years old. If I could talk to my senior year self, I would say, "keep doing what you are doing and continue to work hard!"

I would have to say that I would need to be more prepared for how hard some of the courses are. I was able to get away with not studying in High School and that was one of the hardest things that I have had to adjust to in college. I also remember being very nervous about college because I believed that I wasn't going to make any friends. I would tell myself that I just need to stay true to who I am and not to worry because everyone here is so accepting and that I have nothing to worry about.

I would save up a lot more money for college and I would tell myself to start applying for scholarships sooner. Finances have been the most difficult part of my college experience. I would keep studying hard and keep focused, because starting those practices young helped to shape how well I did in college.

If I could give myself any advice when I was a high school senior it would have to be to go in and meet the professor. When coming into college I did not think of it as a big deal. I assumed knowing the professor would not make any difference. Now after completing a year of college, I would have to disagree with myself a year ago. I learned professors are always willing to help in any way they can. After going to my professor in a class that was I was not satisfied with the grade, my final grade was higher all because I went and met with the professor. Whether it's needed or not, always introducing yourself to your professor can be beneficial for the student. It shows the professor that the student is interested in succeeding and receiving help.

Study as much as possible and value all of your coursework. Good grades are important to getting a good job and college is only 4 years verse the rest of your life. All it takes is four years of focus. Do not chose a program or degree based on how much money it makes, rather, chose something that you legitimately enjoy because if you are good enough at it, the money will come. Also, be financially responsible and save now to have more later. Finally I would say to enjoy the little things in life and don't take anything for granted. The people around us and things we become acustomed to will not always be there for us so value what you have while you still can.

I would tell myself to get better grades, and go strait to college and not wait like I did.

High school senior self, the dorm life is not as great as you think it is. People are still catty, gossipy, and still like to create drama. You will realize there are more benefits of home than you realize. You will also realize there is a lot of compromises that have to be made when living with someone who is not your family. The financial strain of living on campus in a dorm is not worth the stress and loans. You will appreciate your parents, own room, and luxery of able to choose make your meals after you live on campus. The most important thing to remember is not to care what other people think. Do things that make you happy and do not change your self or views for anyone. It will be hard to stay true to yourself but you can do it. By staying true to yourself you will find more people who truelly accept you for you and who are your true friends. Staying true to yourself will also relieve alot of stress. Enjoy college and make the most out of it because you will not want to pay to go to school ever again.

As a 35 year old working and attending school full time, I would tell myself that college is about far more than just preparing you for a job. It prepares you for life, it teaches you how to be an effective learner and communicator, and it opens doors for you. You will spend almost one third of your adult life working. That is far too much time to spend at a job you hate, even a job that pays exceptionally well. There is more to life than money, and a degree will open many doors for you when you come to that realization. For many professions, a degree, even in an unrelated field, is a minimum requirement employment. To that end, your degree will provide you with freedom, the freedom to grow, the freedom to change, and the ability to be heard by those you work with and for. Even if you do not know what your passion in life is today, a degree is the foundation to having the life you'll one day dream of.

There are two things I think college students need to understand before they start college. They need know that everything they've accomplished thus far through high school means nothing. You can use it for your confidence or self-pride but none of that really matters, your future and how your life will turn out is going to be determined by what you do starting now in college. Another MAJOR thing that incoming freshman need to realize is that high school does not prepare you for college. High school is very very easy compared to college. People need to understand that you will have to work hard, and you will have to study a lot in college. Study everyday and keep up with your coursework such as memorizing your notes at least on a weekly basis. That way you won't be stressed come exam time nor will you be stressed come finals time. If you want to succeed and do well in college STUDY EVERYDAY and keep up with your material at least on a weekly basis. If you follow that, the hard work will pay off and you will do well and your goals will become a reality.

I would have been more outgoing and social. I was involved in a few organizations, but did not get involved outside of those few. Because I did not strive to participate in other activities, I had a close knit group of friends and did not socialize much outside of that group of friends. If I would have been more social and outgoing in high school, my adjustment into college would have been easier. Also, I probably would have tried more things. I was highly focused on my schooling, which was good because I graduated with a high GPA, however it did not give me the opportunity to do much other than study. I should have tried harder to balance my school, family, work, and social life. Because of how I chose to do high school, at first it was hard to meet new people and make new friends at college. However, the choices I made in high school helped me decide that I did not want to make those same choices in college. Now I am much better at meeting new people and getting involved, as well as balancing all areas of my life.

Dear Ashley, Days are going by so quickly and before you know it you'll be making your bed in your new dorm room at UW Oshkosh. For now, take this time to enjoy all of the little things. Take your little brother to the park, he's growing up too fast. Go over to Grandma and Grandpa's house and play cards, neither of them will be here by the time you come home for your first college summer vacation. Learn everything you can and appreciate all of the support Mom and Dad are giving you, and don't be upset when you call home upset about the rigorous classes you have; they don't understand, they haven't been to college, and that's okay that they don't understand, tell them about all of your expereinces anyway, they are excited to hear from you. As soon as you get to college find the library and get familiar with it, you'll be spending lots of time there. But most of all, always remember that you are missed too, no matter how homesick you get. Love, A little older, A little wiser; you.

The first thing I would tell myself is to stay true to my own beliefs and do what is best for me. I would want my high school self to know that you dont have to change who you are to fit in or make friends. Also, I would say tell myself to get involved, meet people, and introduce yourself to your professors. Professors want to help you and can come in handy when you need a letter of recommendation. The more connections you have the better. Lastly, I would tell myself that the most important thing I can do is learn, work hard, and get a good education because that is the key to being successful.

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that there will be challenges with everything. Going into everything with a positive attitude and enthusiasm is essential for success, and negativity Will hold you back. Associating with people with a negative attitude will effect you negatively as well. Your success in doing well in classes, networking, and making friends is a direct reflection on how you approach it and what attitude you choose to have. It is okay to take a break and let loose and have some fun every once in a while, just don't go overboard. Setbacks will happen, but you Will get through it. Keep your faith that everything will work out how it is supposed to. Always strive to have a positive attitude and to treat everyone with kindness and respect. You will be in situations and have opportunities in the future that will change your life for the better, take every opportunity you can to increase your knowledge and build your resume. Don't be afraid to try new things. This is the key to your success and being happy.

Dear high school senior, I know that it is very difficult to make a decision on your future, I have been in your shoes. I would like to tell you to just go for it. You are an intelligent young woman who will do great things in your life. Don't be shy, go for every opportunity that comes your way. You never know what might happpen. Be strong, take care of yourself and others. Have commitment to your studies, family life, social life, work experiences, and yourself. Never forget that you are important to. Even if you have doubts follow your dreams and you will make a difference in many peoples lives. When someone tells you that you cannot do something, prove them wrong and show them that you can. Follow your passions and be yourself. I wish you the best in all of your future endeavors. Love, Your future self

Advice that I would provide myself would be not to worry about the professors being how they are portrayed in movies. My professors care about how my school proformace is and they want to see me do well. They are not the type of people (mostly) who cant remember your name, or even call you a number. Grades are important in college, but your physical well being is important as well. Just because you live on your own does not mean you eat ramon noodles every night. Also take care of yourself, if you are feeling depressed or home sick, go for a run, or some type of physical activity. I have learned that about 3 hours a week of excersize has helped me stay positive and handle stress in healthy manner. And finally, have fun!

If I could go back into time and talk to myself in high school, I would tell myself to try and get out there more. I would tell myself that I need to get out of my comfort zone and try new things and meet new people because the people that I am friends with now are great. I was say to take advantage of every opportunity there is in order to meet new people. I would tell myself to join organizations, especially business one. I would also tell myself that even though I got a 4.0 GPA in high school, it does not mean that college is going to be a breeze. The classes are very hard and you need to be able to manage your time wisely. It will be important not to procrastinate and to stay on track with your work, just like you did in high school. This would be the advise I would give myself in high school.

If I could go back now and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would tell myself that everything is going to be okay, and that I shouldn't be scared or nervous because everyone else is going through the same thing as me. I would also tell myslef to get involved right away instead of waiting till the following semester. Don't be nervous that you won't fit in, because these are the years you will be able to go out and meet so many new people that will end up being you best friends for the rest of your life. Also, dont be afraid to ask for helo, and get a tutor, because it can help you tremendously. College is helping you reach you dreams and you just have to take it one step at a time. The years go by fast, so don't waste a minute of it.

My advice would be to learn to like ramen and be able to embrace five extra bucks as rolling in the dough. I would tell myself to make sure to stay in contact with my friends, do not be lazy, call them up and make plans, you introvert. It is hard going in to college when you feel like you do not have anyone back home, no matter how many friends you make at college. Be more involved, especially in your community, you have the time, stop pretending you are just so busy with high school and athletics that you could not bear to add a few things on to the pile. Do not waste your last year in high school, it gets whole hell of a lot more stressful and everyone expects you to know what you are doing with yourself for the next fifty years after you are out. High school may be easy but take it seriously. Lastly, appreciate everything and everyone; anything in your life is a miracle to be cherished and nurtured.

If I could go back I would explain to myself the importance of GPA and deciding a major. I am currently a junior in college and just change my major to accounting. I wish I would have done more research before decided a career path my Freshman year. If I could go back I would explain to myself the importance of remainig focused on studying to maintain a high GPA. All you need in one bad class to drop your GPA. I would tell myself to get involved on campus. Campus involvement is a great way to make connections with other students and perhaps future empoyers.

I wish I was in college sooner than now. I enjoy every moment of it because it helps me to pursue my career which is my ultimate goal in life. College courses have expanded my knowledge and widen my horizons.