Wichita State University Top Questions

As a graduating high school senior, I thought that going to college was out of the question for me. I was in a single parent household with three siblings, and there wasn't enough money for me to go to college. Knowing what I know today, if you want to go to college in this country, you can do it - there are scholarships, financial aid, and low interest student loans that are available to make it possible to get a good education to provide a better future for yourself and your family or future family. If I knew then what I know now, I would have jumped right in there with both feet and would have gone to college many years ago! You will never have regrets for taking the initiative to get an education and provide for a rewarding career and future.

Hmm. This is a good question. What advice would I give myself if I could go back in time? I would have to start with standing up for myself. Not letting myself get bullied and making me depressed. After I had that taken care of, I would figure out how to communicate more, like talking with the teachers if something was on my mind, because in college you must communicate frequently with your teachers. Another thing, would be to ask for help. I was very quiet and shy. I hated talking if I didn't have to. Looking back now, I have realized that I did not take high school seriously and it has affected me in the long run. Entering college, I had no idea what to think. I quickly found out that you must study hard, something I never did in high school. So that would be my last topic I would give myself advice on. I would lecture myself for not studying hard enough and developing the proper study skills. No one can predict the future or change the past, but you can always make the most of the present.

If I could go back in time to when I was still in high school and give myself some advice about college, I would start off by telling myself to really go after scholarships harder than I did. Scholarships are extremely helpful and with more scholarships, I don't have to take out loans. I would also tell myself to actually consider getting involved in more activities on campus. Not only does this give me a great experience, but it would also help me to meet more people. A big piece of advice I would give myself, would be to actually listen to my parents when they would keep asking if music is what I really wanted to do. I would then plant the idea of business and accounting in my head, because as it turns out, my parents were right, and Accounting is more what I could make a career out of. Last, but not least, I would tell myself to breathe and calm down. It is scary, yes, but it is also really exciting and fun all at the same time. The very last thing I would say to myself before i walk away would be to relax.

“Don’t even waste your time on this application,” I, now 19, say ripping the piece of paper out of my 18 year old hands. Telling myself this will save me time and trouble. My eighteen year-old-self looks into my own eyes in pure shock. “Yes, I’m you with a year of college under my belt and listen close because I have three pieces of advice that magazines like Seventeen can never tell you.” “Tip one: When your parents ask if you need anything, say yes. Stock-up on as many supplies, like razors, Spaghetti O’s, and toothpaste, as you can. Tip two: You will never use all of your t-shirts from high school. Your dresser drawers will fill up with college team t-shirts, so only pack a few from home. Tip three: Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest will become your worst enemies when trying to do homework at college. To defeat this set a goal that you will study for forty-five minutes and then check Facebook for ten. “ After stating these three unknown facts, I sit back and relax knowing this information will help me conquer my first year at college.

In high school I thought the cool thing to do was to dress fashionable everyday, and talk to as many people as I could get my eyes on. I would be on my phone during class, and because I thought had the smarts I would teach it to myself during the evening. Looking back, these were the worst possible decisions I could have made. In college, no one cares what you look like, or what you wear. No one cares how many people know each other, because realistically you will never know everyone in your college. My friends who I tried to please back then, don’t even matter anymore. Also, I would have paid attention in every class and practiced my note and test taking skills. If I would have prepared myself more in college I would have been a step ahead than what I am now. I have finally caught myself up and am working hard to become the student I want to be.

If I could go back and give myself advice, I woud probably tell myself just to relax. To calm down. I stressed so much over what college I would pick, dorm life, living on my own, how I was going to pay for all of it, and meeting new people. I now see all these things don't matter as much as I thought they would and I just wasted part of my senior year worrying for nothing. I found a great school that fits what I am looking for, I am close enough to home that I dont get homesick, and the people are fantastic. They are so welcoming and there is a place for everyone. It has been easy finding a place to fit in. On a second note, I would also have to tell mysef to get involved with the school Quidditch team sooner. It is a great sport.

I would tell myself that college is not a playground; it’s not like high school. It’s the first big step of being an adult. In college you are by yourself, everything you do is for your greater good. You cannot afford to miss this opportunities by flunking out or screwing up. Going to college is a privilege not a right. I am lucky to be able to have the opportunity to pursue a higher education and to do what I love. I need to remind myself that school will and always be ultimately important. How I do in the next several years in college will determine where and which path I take for the rest of my life. Play time is over. The game has finally started.

The classes you choose to take will be difficult and challenging, so be sure that you have good study habits. GPA is more important than you think; work on keeping it about 3.0. As you transition into college life you will be tempted to procrastinate with your assignments as you spend your free time at the student center. It's alright to go there because you will meet a lot of entertaining and unique people, but have a balance between fun and school work. Do not be afraid to talk to your professors and let them get to know your face. If you ask questions you will retain more information and teachers will appreciate your willingness to learn. In turn teachers will be more willing to help in other areas, and you will feel more confident in the way you conduct your college upbringing. Remember, there is nothing wrong with asking for help. Finally, break your procrastination habit right now! It will bring you nothing but late nights, high stress, and feeling like you could have done better. Getting a head start on scholarships, homework, assigned reading, and projects never hurt anyone. Good luck and keep your head up.

I would have told myself to be more involved. I would have wanted to tell myself to do more community service and also to be more active in the clubs that my high school had. Another thing I would have told myself is to focus more on scholarships and I would have promised myself it would have paid off in the long run.

Looking back at my first semester at Wichita State University, I took everything too seriously and was paranoid about my studies such as my quizzes, tests, and assignments. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I adivise myself to just--relax. College is a big step for an individual and you do need to focus on your studies, but I was always stressing about when my next test was and trying to calculate my final grade. At some point, you just need to relax. College is the time to learn, of course but also it offers many oppurtunities to meet new people and to involve yourself on campus. Now that I am going into my second semester as a Freshman I know what to expect and I am not going to stressing about every tiny detail anymore. Sometimes, it's good to stop and think.