West Virginia University Top Questions

The advice I would give myself would be to enjoy every minute with family, friends, and playing sports. Enjoy not having to study and still being able to make good grades. I also would push myself to learn study strategies that worked best for me because when I came to college I had to teach myself how to study considering I did not have to study much in high school. I also would encourage myself to focus a lot harder on the SAT's and ACT's because I did not qualify for the Promise Scholarship, which would have helped me financially. With the help of the promise scholarship and sti[pene of being a residient assistant I would be getting payed to go to college but instead I am now paying in loans.

One of the most life changing things I have had the oppurtunity to do thus far in my life was studying abroad in Japan for three semesters. Although expensive, I wish I would have had the chance to know about this oppurtunity at an earlier age and focused more of my time on preparing for it and a more international focused major. When I first entered college, I was sent to a advisor that was not of that much help that directed me towards general studies because of my uncertainty. I believe that if I had a chance to go back and talk with myself about my interests today, and what you can gain from life abroad, it would have made my earlier years in college less expensive, more productive, and much more rewarding.

Research more majors in detail to prepare myself with the knowledge to make the best choice for me. Concentrate on getting the best grades possible and work hard. I don't feel the high school preparse you for what lies ahead with college and the professors we have to deal with. Its a totally different world and it takes the first part of the semester just o figure out whats going on.

I would say make sure you really check out the school and the campus life before you go there. I never really visited WVU and when I went there I was totally blind-sighted. Im a handi cap student and I didn't know that I would be walking so much and heave to deal with so many hills/stairs. I wish I would have known what the campus was like before I actually went to it.

I decided to go to a smaller, out-of-state school, but ended up hating it there and transferred to my larger, in-state school. I wish I could go back and tell myself to choose the in-state school with the scholarships because it's not as scary as it seems. Now, I lost all my scholarships from going out of state and didn't even like it there.

Knowing what I know now about college life and the transitions, I would go back and tell myself, "DO NOT WORRY". I remember the last week before college was spent tossing and turning in bed, thinking the "what if's" of my freshman year. "What if I miss my parents?" "What if the schoolwork is too hard for me and I fail?" "What if I hate it?" Then there was the last one which I'm sure has ran through everyone's head. "What if I don't make any friends?" Also, many people worry about the transition a student makes between the high school coursework and college coursework. Even though I took a tremendous amount of honor and AP courses before college, there is no way to be sure that you are ready for college. I would of told myself that I did enough, and I would be fine even if I hadn't taken these courses. The real solution in college is just to stay focused on the work in front of you and make sure you have a balance between having a social life and an academic life. That will make your academic success more worth it.

Although choosing a college is very important, remember that you will have fun no matter where you go.

I would tell my younger self three things: focus your life, learn to use your time efficiently, and get your driver's license. First, I am a man of many hobbies and interests, but since attending college, I found my time much more limited. I spent much of my time working a little bit on each hobby that never came to fruition instead of putting all my effort into one. Looking back, I wish I dropped most of my hobbies in favor of the one I value the most: entertainment software development, which is the one related to the career I desire. Secondly, I wish I learned to use my time wisely. Things distract me easily, and I like to brainstorm during times I should be working on homework assigments. I would tell my younger self to kick this habit and save the brainstorming when appropritate. Finally, I wish I got my driver's license before attending college. I wasted time and money on public transportation and finding rides to school. It also makes my daily life more stressful. I believe if my younger self knew the importance of these things, I would be a more productive individual.

Take school a lot more serious even though it is just high school, and stop missing school unless you are actually ill. When it comes time to apply for college take your time and think about it. Don't just decide on going to the college that's the most popular, or the college that your boyfriend/girlfriend is going to. Consider things like financial aid/scholarships, crime rate, and make sure you take a tour of the campus to see if you like it and where you may be living. When you finally decide on the college you want to go to start thinking about a major. It's never too early for that! If you get a refund check when you get a financial aid try to limit your spending on needless items. Take out (loans) only what you actually need!

Don't take college for granted. Work and study hard in order to achieve you goals, both long and short term. Since college isn't cheap, look into scholarships. Take the time to do the community service hours or write those essays. In the end, what you put into it is what you'll get back. Friends won't come to you, you'll have to go out and find them. While all this may seem like a bunch of negativity, it is, in fact, the truth. Try not to spend all your time partying or chatting away on Facebook. Be yourself and find your way. Use your final year as a high school student wisely. Contrary to what most say, your Senior year shouldn't be a bunch of easy classes. Try and challenge yourself and prepare for the toughness of those college courses you will be required to take. Most of all, enjoy the rest of high school and try and relax and have some fun on your way through college!

I would tell my self to pay more attention, learn all you possibly can, take any oportunity that comes youre way, be open but stand up for your self, be confident, believe in yourself, don't get stressed out by looking at all you have to do over the years. take it week by week, and you'll get through it.

My advice would be to throroughly research colleges before picking a school. Every campus has its own unique aesthetic, and to be successful in college you must be comfortable and happy with your surroundings. Take advantage of on-campus resources and services such as tutoring and career help. Many students fail to realize all that the campus has to offer. Be open-minded and get involved in various organizations that will allow you to grow as a person and share your ideas with others. Stay on top of your work as it can be easy to fall behind. Professors are very helpful, but ultimately it is up to you to study and do your assignments. No one is going make sure that you do your homework every night or that you attend class so be responsible with your education. College is expensive, but there are ways to make school affordable. Use these next four years to learn about yourself and the world around you. WVU has a lot to offer, and there are many opportunities to take advantage of. It shouldn't be all about partying. Remember why you're at college, and have fun when you can.

College is an amazing time in one's life and college choice is crucial. However, once the student or parents finds a particular school they like in their heart, go with it! Even if it involves stepping out of your comfort zone. The student most of all will grow as a person and be a more rounded individual which is what "mom and dad" ultimately want. During college is a student's primetime to grow, have fun, and learn to settle into their own skin. As children we all are caterpillars slowly crawling around until we reach our awkward cocoon or "highschool". Then, once college hits, the butterfly emerges for all to admire as a completely changed part of this world. College is the time for you to add your beauty to the world and not being ashamed of what kind of butterfly you are. Don't be afraid with newfound wings to explore everyone and everything. Make the most of this transistion and always be true to yourself. Years later you'll look into a diploma, and with many cherished memories behind, know it was worth it!

I would tell anyone that you should visit the school you want to attend before you decide to go there. It honestly helps with deciding if this is really were you want to spend the next 4+ years of your life. I will warn you though don't let yourself get caught up in the parties and the social groups to much. You will need time to study. Plan to spend atleast the number of hour your taking of class studying outside of class. So if your taking 12 class hours plan to stusy for atleast another 12 out side of class. College can be scary. But you will make it. College can be one of the best times of your life but don't over do the fun or you might lose alot more grades then that party was worth. Yes the 1st few weeks might be lonly but you can and probly will make friends soon so don't shut out the world. You will be amazed at how much you can learn not only from you teachers, but also from the other students. Listen with an open heart and mind. You will be amazed. Good Luck. :)

Much advice can be given to parents whose child is making the decision of what college to attend. Looking back, I believe that my best advice would be to give your child the ultimate choice in where to go, and encourage him or her to look beyond the normal. Many times I have seen young men and women look to schools that are close by, are known for the crazy parties, or those that are a "breeze" to get through, and all too many have been let down. My advice is to look far and wide during your college search, stretching your limit of comfort. One's dream school may seem as if there is no money available to cover costs, but there is always someone willing to help and scholarships to be awarded. It may seem like a school is too far of a distance away from home and too large, but what is life if not for ambition? Be brave, be bold, and be daring during your college search, and doors will find their ways to be opened.

My advice to future studnets would be to follow your heart. When it comes down to everything it is you that has to attend the school not your parents or your friends. Your future should be about what you want. If you are not happy with a situation you put yourself in then how can you be happy with life. Even if you chose a school that doesnt seem right for you continue looking. It may be raining now but it cant storm forever. Make a change in your life and find the school that seems right for you and you can change the weather of your future. Be true to yourself and live your life which would make you happy for now and the future.

Make sure the school you are choosing has many majors that you could be interested in, because you don't know if you're going to change your mind. If you live in a dorm, don't be afraid to leave your door open and say hi to your neighbors and make friends. Everyone is nervous, not just you. The more you are involved in your school, the more school spirit you'll have, so join a club or go to a football game! If you go to parties, don't worry about fitting in because college doesn't have clicks like in hgih school. Socialize and have fun but remember what you're paying for: your education. Take it seriously!

I would advice them to go to scholarship experts, they are the ones who helped me find this scholarship. I never heard of this scholarship and it was very easy and it was kind of fun. Many scholarships you run across are all traditional and boring. the greastest avice is to go find the perfect scholarship for yourself at scholarshipexpert.com.

College is all about what you make it. I would advise upcoming students to visit different colleges and talk with professors there. This will help give them a good perspective on whether they would like to attend a big or small school, if the school provides the degree of choice, and whether there are social groups/ acivities to fit your needs. When you choose your college and start school then I would advise trying new things. Try groups/activities that are more your style and then try some that arent. It is amazing what people can teach you and this will help you get a better feel for the school and for the students who also attend the school. Eventually you will find a group of people that you just click with, they will be like family. As long as you go into the college experience with an open mind then it is amazing the doors and kinds of oppurtunities that open up for you. However, while social activities are a big part of school, I would advise developing a study habit. This will help keep your gpa up and aid in less stress to enjoy the experience better.

Make sure you want to go there, it really does not matter what other people say! Do not let anyone tell you that you will not make it because you can. Definitely go and check the campus out. Think about your most comfortable setting, would you want a large school with less intimate class settings, or small school with a lot of one-on-one interaction with teachers? Think about location! Be positive that you like where your school is located. Is it far enough away from home, is it too far? Can you find things to do around it that you will enjoy? To make the most out of college, be a participator! You will never be happy & having fun if you do not let yourself experience new things! Go to games, go to functions, and meet new people!