Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Top Questions

Put in hard work and then some.

When I was in high school, everything was a competition between me and my classmates. Sometimes, it was healthy competition. However, it often made me feel like I wasn't good enough compared to all of those around me. No one told me that I should instead be concentrated on trying to improve myself. I should have been working harder for my future, not for others approval. Coming to college, I realize that it doesn't matter how my class ranking was in comparison to a classmate. No one you meet in college has any idea what you accomplished in high school. They only pick up on the habits that you gained and the way you care about you future. In the end, all you have is the effort that you put in to set yourself up for a good life, the best way you can. And not for anyone else, but for yourself.

I was very stressed out and socially anxious in high school. If I could go back, I would tell myself to relax because it does get better. After being thrown in with all of your peers, you will be in a situation forcing you to socialize with other people and I got over my shyness quickly! As for the anxiety...with my social awkwardnss out of the way, I realized I could turn to classmates if I had questions about class or any other life problem. My advice to all high school seniors would be to take advantage of every opportunity to try a new experience and really work on any weaknesses you feel you have. This is the perfect time for strong personal development with the amazing opportunities you are afforded while in school.

I would probably tell myself to not worry so much about the change, and think more about the long term future with respect to jobs, my interests, etc. I would remind myself to be my own person and go after whatever I wanted to do.

As I searched the coffee house for a booth, I saw my younger, nonchalant self from my high school days. I called him over to sit and talk to him about his future, but as always, the future was not what he wanted to focus on. I remember when I was like that, stubborn and cocky. To get his attention, I told him about the awesome adventures I had in college. What caught his attention was the “party life” at Virginia Tech. It was unbelievable what goes on at those parties but, partying does come with a price. Study time is lost which is an important aspect in college. I explained to him that college will be easy if your time is managed efficiently. It becomes difficult when you wake up with a hangover and you have unfinished calculus homework that should have been completed in advance. The key is balancing your leisure time and school work. With this advice, you will have fun while leaving with a degree, and obtaining a dream career. I left my younger self with a different outlook on what is necessary to put yourself on the right path and succeed in college.

I would tell myself to learn how to study because I was one of those kids who got good grades but barely studied (I actually took AP classes so I can't accuse myself of not applying myself). Take AP Physics more seriously and make sure you actually understanding everything, because physics now is just as hard plus you have thermodynamics to learn, good luck. Go get a job, you are going to need money for yourself in college, and your parents are not going to always have money for you. Also you get some job experience and something to actually put on your resume! And lastly don't waste space in the car by bringing your cello, you aren't going to make the orchestra and you won't even have time to play it for fun, use the extra space to bring more food.

To That Pained High School Senior: I know it hurts, you’re claustrophobic and world is closing tighter and no one, not even your most beloved friends, are around to help. But you will make it out alive, you need to focus on healing and mentally loving yourself right now because that’s what will help you survive. Forget about whether or not he loves you because his love does not define you, it doesn't validate you. Stop worrying about those who were not there when you fell from grace, forgive them because if you are to heal right, you must remove the obstruction causing the wound, and that is your anger and resentment. Right now, you may be so lonely it feels like you are drowning, and baby girl we all know you can't swim, but there is no better time to learn than now. Because get this, one day you're going to climb this gorgeous mountain with these beautiful people, and you will witness a most magnificent waterfall and let me tell you, on that day you will willingly plunge yourself into icy depths, swim to shore and realize even in darkness you can grow.

In high school, I lived by the words "if you wait until the last minute, it only takes a minute to do." All through my high school career, that motto worked for me because I had not been challenged at a college level. If I could go back to myself in high school, I would say: "don't get used to putting everything off until the end." It may not be the most profound statement, but it summarizes the largest change in my lifestyle since I left home. In college thus far, I have completely changed how and when I do all of my work. Earlier this semester, I found myself listening to online lectures in order to get ahead of the class. Past me from two years ago would have laughed, but as a result I was able to finish the points based class three weeks before finals week. Finishing that class early gave me the opportunity to study for my other challenging classes. If I still lived by my high school motto, I would be suffering at this very moment attampting to complete my online lecture class.

If you have the slightest idea of what you might want to study in college, apply for that major when you apply for the school instead of going into a general studies program. It will save you the trouble of having to force add classes that you want/need to take. I know the course loads can be overwhelming, but if you manage your time well enough, you can easily stay on top of it and still have time for socializing.

Rachael, DO NOT LISTEN TO WHAT HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS SAY ABOUT COLLEGE. It's not scary; the professors do actually care; and the work isn't impossibly hard. Virginia Tech has so many people rooting for you; Staff, faculty, other students. Everyone is on your side. That being said, nobody wants you to succeed more than you do, so push yourself. Don't rely on teachers to remind you of an assignment or answer a question that you haven't asked or ask you to come to office hours when you fail a quiz. Tech provides you with amazing resources, so don't be scared when teachers claim getting help in college is wishful thinking, but, with that said, you still have to help yourself and be willing to reach out. Your professors aren't scary. They're people! People whose main goal is to make sure you pass the test. If professors are too intimidating, go to TAs. If you're still too scared, form study groups with friends. They could probably benefit from it as much as you and nobody says no to making studying less painful! Don't be afraid to get your money's worth! Rachael

Keep yourself motivated. There's this disease called "senioritis" and you must be careful of not getting it. The affects of senioritis are laziness, short attention span, lack of motivation, and "slacker" attitude. Even once you have been accepted into college, don't stop working. Apply to scholarships, study for exams, write your essays; keep yourself occupied. When you keep yourself busy, you'll see that staying focused and motivated will be as easy as pie. Trust me, if you manage to beat this disease, you will come out the most successful. This attitide and mindset of determination will get you far not only in high school and in college, but in life as well. Remember, your attitude of today, will reflect your personality tomorrow.

The main advice that I have is to not stress about the numerous tasks one will face in preparation for the college experience. This absolutely does not mean putting all of the applications, housing requests, scholarship applications, and other work on the back burner. What this means is that the individual approaches these tasks proactively. Making a list of things to do for college was helpful for my case because I was able to just check off items that had been completed. The truth about this process is that catching up is exponentially more difficult than keeping up. Having tabs on all of these demands is essential, but creating a ton of stress over something that one has already decided to get done is by no means the way to go. College is an exciting time, and there will be tons of new experiences. Why make this a stressful time when really it's a new chapter. Be proactive in one's approach, and have fun with the experience!

Don't get stressed about it and be proactive with the housing contracts and the finacial aid. The worst part is getting through the Hokie SPA. Once that is figured out, it is a relativley simple process.

I would tell myself to enjoy life as it is. Don't wish away high school, becuase there are certainly ascpetcs that you will miss of it. Don't waste all summer waiting for college. Enjoy the happy moments in life to the fullest because you never know when it may disappear. College is different. It is fun but different. You learn to become more independent and how to function without mom. Enjoy your indepence at school, but don't over assert your independence at home. At the end of the day, mom helped you gain that independence and is mostly likely paying for you to find that independence at school. Respect her. As for the transition period, don't feel like you have to plan out your entire life in a week time span. Take it one day at a time, even an hour at time, dealing with the current situation as it is. Be happy when your happy and sad when your sad. Just promise me you won't pass over the happy moments because of the stress to get an A in a class. You as a person are more important than your transcript.

The first thing I would say to my high school self is that high school is nothing like the real world. I would tell myself to focus on what makes me a better person. More specifically, I would tell myself to start hanging out with people for who they really are, not how many twitter followers they have, or how many 'likes' they have on their profile picture on facebook, for these things do not matter and frankly have no correlation to somebodys value or intelligence. I would tell myself to stop sweating the small stuff and to ask myself when facing problems "is this going to matter in a year?" The answer to that question is valuable when prioritizing what to focus on throughout the day. I would say that being honest with yourself is a priority. Just because your best friends like something, doesn't mean you have to like it to. I would say value the lessons your mistakes have taught you rather than putting value on the feelings your accomplishments have brought. Most importantly I would tell myself to cherish the little moments you have living with your family, because you will miss them.

To make sure you go to class...no matter what. While high school learning may have come easily to you, it's tough to learn much of anything if you don't go to class. Just forcing yourself to go, and sit through lecture is a much better option than not going at all. You really need to treat school like a job. Go during the day, and have fun in your off time.

Make friends with your guidance counselor by finding time to set up appointments throughout the year to catch up, and share your dreams, passions, and hopeful plans for the future. No one can help you more during the overwhelming application process to college, than a friendly advisor who wants more than anything to see you succeed! Don’t be intimidated by the “popular” girls with boyfriends and all their high-end clothing and birthday gift cars. One day after years of higher education, you will be able to afford nice things as well, and you will have found your partner along the way. Hormonally induced jealousy or self-destructive criticism won’t help you attain your collegiate and career goals! On that note, forgive that boy who hurt you, and move ahead! Moping around wondering why he left you at prom for that girl in the skimpy dress will only foster negative self-worth and anxiety. Turn the pain into energy to stoke that inner fire; use this as fuel for dedicated determination! Know that your plans may change once you settle into college. Stoic rigidity may hold you back from success in another realm. Passion. Follow it to success!

As you prepare for this grand trasition to your first step into adulthood you need to remember that that hard work is important. But having fun is needed and not a crime. Going out with friends to blow off steam is one of the best things you will ever do and will help you create the best memories. When you go to graduate from college you won't want to look back on that piece of paper that is your degree, you'll want to call your life-long friend from that crazy night in college.

After completing my first semester at college and looking back at my experience, I would tell all high school seniors to be patient. Upon entering college, I was excited and inspired. Although I encourage being enthusiastic about this step forward, I think it is important to realize that it will take time to achieve your goals. Mt. Everest is not climbed in a single day. I struggled early on in my first semester because I did not accept that fact. I wanted to have best friends, good grades, and adjusted to college life the first day I got there. Unfortunately, I did not complete those tasks on the first day. Realizing that fact immediately propelled me forward because I knew that they would come. It gave me freedom from the pressure that I placed on myself to adjust quickly. I wish I would have had this wisdom starting out my semester. My advice to all high school seniors entering college is to be patient. You have the opportunity to make all of your dreams come true. I believe you will, but it will not happen in a single day: your success, best friends, and adjustment will come with time.

Dear High-School Self, I am so very pleased that you chose Virginia Tech! You are truly on the path to success and will have many new experiences that will expand your knowledge and understanding of how to live God’s Law. However, before you jump right in, I want you to take a short moment now to heed to some important advice from your all-caring Future Self. First, do not be so needy with your roommate. I understand you want to start a “new” life by actually creating meaningful relationships, but seeking to force your roommate into being friends with you won’t work. Be patient. Look to see if your decisions are selfishly motivated or completely out of a desire to give before you act. Next, learn to prioritize your time right away. You always fall behind in classes by tending to watch TV or play games. Plan ahead of time to get some work or studying done before play, and you will avoid loads of stress in the long run. Last, but not least, please make as many friends as possible. Your best bet is to meet people at the residential college. Love, Future Self