Washington University in St Louis Top Questions

The most valuable part of the college experience so far is the connections made while at school. I've learned that it's more important to have meaningful friendships with fellow freshmen than having straight A's. And since I am part of the January Program at Washington University in St. Louis, I also had the chance to discover myself in a way that would not have been possible if I was an average student. Being a January Programmer has helped me understand myself more and allowed me to attain dreams that I would have missed out on otherwise.

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would give myself a pat on the back for all the hard work I accomplished. Without a doubt, there were times during my high school career when I questioned whether six AP classes in one year was too much to handle, and if it was really worth it to attend a highly competitive university. All I can say is, it has been well worth it. As for what is to come, I would tell myself to relax and take everything in stride. The transition to college was more difficult for me than I had expected--I had a hard time finding my place on campus and letting go of my inhibitions about going to a college where I knew absolutely no one. The key is to keep an open mind about everything: classes, student groups, and friends especially. I would remind myself of the importance of being friendly and personable, because those qualities have taken me far in my college experience. Ultimately, I would tell myself to enjoy the ride, because there is no way to know what the future will have in store for me.

There are several notes that I want you to take about the things we are about to discuss. First, in all capital letters write CREDIT CARDS ARE BAD. They really are not but in the hands of the ill informed and the impulsive, they are dangerous weapons. Those pair of shoes that you had to have for the party even though you didn't money in the end may cost your that dream house 6 years down the line. So, stay away from the vendors no matter how many free shirts they offer. Second, walk through the library. Walk past the sleepers and find those students that are in the rooms actually reading the books; Make friends with these people. They will be a vital asset to you when it comes time to study for midterms. Third, you are away from your parents but there were methods to their madness. (i.e. cleaning your room, doing your homework) Last, take as many pictures as your phone will allow. The moments that you will experience are unlike any others you've had thus far. These are going to be the times of your life; Enjoy!

Lisa, college is exciting, scary and challenging. It is the first time in your life you will be living in a place without your parents. Of course this will be thrilling but it will also be hard. You are leaving everything and everyone you know to begin something different. It?s ok to be homesick. As someone expecting to play varsity soccer, your time management skills must be flawless. Not only will you be travelling, but your academic workload will be far more rigorous than that of high school. Thus, individual accountability and responsibility will be crucial to your success. Choose a college that allows you to explore any subject of interest. This will help your transition. This way, if you happen to dislike a subject, you can always change and or transfer to another program. Take risks, get out of your comfort zone, explore the unfamiliar, and fail. Push yourself academically and physically. For not only will you learn a lot about yourself, but those that stick by you through thick and thin will be friends for life. Show patience for others and yourself, and allow yourself to change. Don?t be afraid and most importantly, HAVE FUN!

I would start off by telling myself to take more classes and not spend so much time goofing off. I should of taken more math classes at the very least. Sure having a lot of time was nice, but the extra time i did have could have been put towards better preparing myself for college courses. Probably the most important thing I would tell myself is not to blow the amount of money I did on items that are not necessary. I never liked to study but I would warn myself that it's a very crucial part of schooling, especially in college if you want to pass those harder exams. And do not slack on those class readings that are assigned for the next day because the chances of you being called on seem to increase drastically even if you do not think so. All in all tell myself to take senior year more seriously.

Don't worry. College life is great. You WILL make friends and still seem to stay in touch with the old ones. You'll maintain your GPA and manage to get some great parties in as well. It's a little bit difficult to get used to at first, but after a while it's just like being a home just a lot more fun. I know that moving from a small town to a big city seems like a huge transition, but once you get to St. Louis you will fall in love and never want to look back. Spanish will be hard but keep studying. It'll pay off at the end of the semester when you're practically fluent. Use the library. I know it seems intimidating at first, but it's actually not. It's so quiet and perfect for reading and studying your notes. Going there actually improve your grades! Who knew? Good luck with the rest of senior year, I know you'll have a blast. Give Mom a kiss and tell her you'll be calling her a lot soon, because you will! She really does understand more than you think =)

When hearing about colleges and universities you are considering, never believe your ears. No matter how many times someone tells you how great a school is, it may turn out to be your worst nightmare. A college can be rated the happiest campus in the country--but not for you. In selecting Washington University, I knew I was going to a challenging school, and I thought everyone here would be great, would be nice, fun, laid back, accepting. My thoughts about the academics were true, but otherwise, everything was wrong. The accepting school I chose to attend turned out to be judgemental of my lifestyle--Christian, alcohol-free, studious. I never expected that a school with such a great social reputation would turn out to be socially repulsive. I didn't do proper research, and now I'm stuck. I'm stuck financially and academically, because those options are not available elsewhere. So, do your research, but know it won't be enough. Visit the school, get a feel for yourself over a weekend. Then, you will be as close as you can get to real college life, even though nothing will be enough to prepare you.

A key fact I learned during the freshman year of my college career was in the selection process. I found that no matter how much you think you love one particular college you never exactly how much you will love it when you live there. I went into Northeastern with the mindset that this would be a great college for me, and as a result neglected to consider even a college right down the street from where I grew up. I left with the mindset that I wanted to get out of my hometown, as far away as possible; however, I came back soon enough, realizing that this was the place I want to be. I would tell myself that even though the college transition is a rush, with deadlines, school visits and tests you really do have to sit down as best you can and consider all the options presented before you, even if those options don't necessarily make sense at the time.

Relax! The transition to college is not nearly as stressful as you think it's going to be. You just need to be willing to put yourself out there and meet as many people as possible. At the beginning, friendliness goes a long way; this is no time to be shy. You also have to remember that you will be in an academically rigorous environment. Don't be shocked on the first day of classes when you are not the smartest person in the room. Try to learn from everyone else, and don't be so intimidated by their intelligence that you are too scared to participate. The most important thing to remember, however, is to just try new things. If a friend wants to make an impromtu trip into St. Louis, go along. If you have to choose between seeing a fantastic speaker with an acquaintance or staying in with friends, take a chance and go to the speech. In order to get the most out of your first semester, you have to be open and willing to try new things, no matter what anyone else tells you is best. You're in charge now. Good luck!

If I could go back in time and say one thing to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to not be afraid to follow my heart instead of my brain. Senior year of high school, I decided to go to the highest rank university I was accepted to, The University of Pennsylvania, while my girlfriend (soon to be fiance, fingers crossed!) boarded a plane to Washington University in St. Louis 1,000 miles away. Freshman year of college was undoubtedly the hardest year of our lives. We would find ourselves counting down the days, and talking on the phone in the freezing cold, so that we didn't wake our roommates, until the early hours of the morning. I knew I couldn't last four years like that, so I made what I consider the best decision of my life and applied to transfer to WashU. I'm proud to say I am currently a sophomore at WashU and enjoying every minute of it. In essence, I would tell myself to be myself and to not be afraid to make a decision simply because everyone else thinks it is the wrong one.