Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Top Questions

I would tell myself to take certain classes that would help me in college like Chemistry, biology, anatomy, and calculus. These are classes I could have taken but at the time, I was planning to persue a different major so I took courses like physics and statistics. I would also tell myself to try my hardest because in the end it is always worth it. I often find myself not completely understanding concepts now because I never mastered them in high school. This forces me to study extra and relearn things many times in order to succeed. I remember being hesitant about going to Virginia Tech at first, but I would tell myself to go there because I love it there now. The hardest part of the transition to college is not just the school work, but now having to take care of myself all day everyday. I need to buy groceries, tools, and supplies that i need every few weeks, and I was not used to that. I would tell myself not to stress, and just take what life deals me and make the best out of it.

Do not expect others to just always come up and talk to you; sometimes you have to be the one to start conversations. It may not seem like it, but most of the students are in the same boat as you. Most kids came to school not knowing anyone or maybe just one or two people. Do not be afraid to start up conversations with them. The worst that can happen is they do not talk back and that's okay, you can just talk to someone else. Odds are you will not see that person anymore. Also, be sure to talk to your professors and sit in the front row. This shows them that you are interested in their class and eager to learn. You may seem like you are getting in their way when talking to them after class, but that is simply not the case. All professors have office hours. Attend as many office hours as you can. This not only helps you learn more but also helps you build a relationship with your professor. Having this kind of relationship with your professor often times positively impacts the way in which your professor grades your work.

As a high school senior I thought I knew it all. I figured I'd go to college and be perfectly fine because I was "independent" in my opinion. All my friends and mentors thought so too, but when I finally got to college the first thing I learned was that I wasn't comfortable being with myself. I would cry as soon as I was alone because I missed being surrounded by people and I didn't know how to be confident without people complimenting me. I'm not an attention hound, but as the first week passed I began to realize that I enjoyed the attention of my parents around and my friends nearby, so if i were to go back and give myself advice it would be to get comfortable being alone with myself. I learned that really quickly in college because when you go to a new place alone, you have no support system nearby. You are on your own. You have to learn to support yourself and convince yourself to go out and meet people. This is where being comfortable with yourself helps.

If I were to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to work alot harder. It's easy to get caught up in all the fun your senior year and maybe you should think about your GPA a little more. Don't stress on the small things, but really believe in yourself. Also, never give up on yourself. If you believe you can do it, don't let anyone hold you down. Try to improve the way you think and mature yourself for the real world. Belueving in yourself will take you alot further in life then you would think. Also, go ahead and plan on what you want to do. Don't waste your time partying, but do remember to have fun and remember that you only have a few more months before you become a college student.

I would tell myself to just relax because everything will go fine. Transitioning from high school to college was one of the best experiences of my life. Although I miss home when I am at school, it's a great way to meet people and accomplish my career goals.

Acceptance letters. Rejection letters. Housing application deadlines. Fafsa. Graduation. Financial aid packages. Honors application. Orientation. This and much more compile the transition from high school to life after high school. Stressful is just the beginning of it. Everything the four years of high school prepares you for is about to smack you in the face all at once. But there's no need to panic. No. Don't let yourself fall into the usual barrage of "what ifs." Everyone is going through the exact same process of moving on to new adventures. One of the main things to never forget is to have short and long term goals but not set expectations. Life doesn't go the way you always predict. And to remain flexible during this period of such insecurity and uncertainty is key. Another is to overestimate your classes, your professors, and your workload. The minute you think "hey, this isn't so hard. I can let up a little bit and live a little more" is the moment you fail to progress. And progressing is an integral part of this college experience.

I would definitely be much more open-minded about choosing my major. I came into school completely set on majoring in engineering and I waited until my sophomore year to really sit down and decide that engineering was not what I really wanted to do. I think that if you aren't totally sure on what you want to do in college, you should definitely take your time to figure it out and don't rush into a certain major just because it has good jobs, etc. I had my mind set and narrowed in on a major far too early and I didn't really even know what it was all about. Finally, if you are in this situation, don't hesitate to change majors.

What I learned in the transition from high school to college had nothing to do with grades or little details, instead I learned a life lesson that I will never forget. The lesson I learned is often used as a cliche, but at least to me it was something I ignorned and didn't take the time to measure its importance. This lesson is don't grow up to fast, live each moment to your fullest instead of focusing on what the future holds. Don't spend your senior year with anxiety and worrying what the next step in your life may hold, instead sit back and enjoy high school, as it only happens once. There will be a time for college and being an adult, but don't let that get in the way of being a kid. Senior year is the time where you think you are ready to say goodbye to everything you have ever known and to most of your relationships of the last1 2 years. College is here and I am excited to see what the future holds, but I will never forget to live in the present and never look too far ahead

Prepare to be prepared. From the day you first set foot on campus as a student, things will start flying at you from all directions and things will be expected of you that were not before. All of a sudden you are in a place where you don't know anyone, can't find the nearest Post Office, and are expected to live for the next 4 years and be sucessful in it all to boot. Be prepared to learn in a different way than you ever have before and will challenge you no matter ho well you did in high school. Be prepared to walk around campus and get lost until you can find the dining hall or the English building. Be prepared to be asked about your finances, your knowldge of Algebra, and which professor you have for Sociology because they all use a different book. But most importantly be prepared to meet people and make relationships. More will be asked of you than every before and it will be daunting, but it is irreplaceable to have good friends to talk to, listen to, and enjoy this once in a lifetiem experience with. Oh, and have fun!

Keep your mind open to the possibilities of change. Leaving your old familiar world may be difficult, but with enough time and effort, friends and new experiences will present themselves. Although you may have a plan for your future, never shut out the idea of change. As you grow and mature through college, so will your interests. Explore your options, join new clubs, and take classes outside your usual focus. Talk to your professors; aside from getting help in your classes, you will gain important references through networking, learn about internship and research opportunities, and even create lifelong friendships. Take advantage of the resources and possibilities open to you on campus, including clubs, career centers, intramural sports, student centers, and university provided tutors. College will be hard and overwhelming at times, but take the trials in stride, use your best judgment in all situations, and never forget to take care of yourself. Classes, grades and friends are important, but never sacrifice your health or reputation, because they will be with you forever. Above all - eat well, exercise, and enjoy life.