Wichita State University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Wichita State University know before they start?

jonathan

If I could go back into highschool and talk to myself, I would have sat myself down and lectured about the importance of and scholarships. If I would have known how hard it was to get good grades, I would have been a lot more motivated. Of course, I was a young man, imature and love video games, and was not such a great listener. If I could go back, I would have payed more attention to the people in my life who constantly nagged me about financial aid and scholarships. Even though I know it is not too late, it would have been nice to have applied for more scholarships. I know I would have qualified for many many scholarships, but I just didn't find the initiative. Now that I find the financial pull and stress, I have become wise and know this is important to ask for help. I once felt that it would lower my dignity by asking for money, I wanted to believe I could do it myself. But I now know I can't. I now am doing everything I can to dedicate myself to both my studies and to applying for financial help.

Jaqueline

Spend time researching different colleges and factors of college; including tution, room and boarding, books, the city/town you are in, including weather, population and definitely things to entertain yourself. That is a huge factor in finding a school that is right for you! I wish I would have told myself to find a major that is possible. When you are young everyone tells you that you can do anything you want to do, but most of the majors you pick are not possible or take a longer amount of time that you thought iit would. Majority of the students in college change their majorites at least two to three times. If i would of known to pick something realistic and something I truly loved I would have picked a major that I would have known I would not have changed. Also to leave home and really experience life and experience the world. Your not going to have and keep the same clicks and groups of friends from high school, so get out in the world and meet new people and try new things. Do not ever be afraid to live life and really feel great about yourself.

Adam

Adam, as a Freshman in college I can offer some advice to you in making your transition to college much easier. First of all, studying will be a marathon filled with lots of knowledge. I have found that study groups are an immensely helpful way to study for lengthy exams. Second, when experiencing difficulty with a particular subject always schedule an appointment with the professor. They are always willing to help a student. Third, get involved in clubs and organization that intrest you. This is a great way to meet people. That share your same intrests. Forth, enjoy yourself and your time at the University. The RSC offers students lots of entertainment choices when you have time away from your studies. Lastly, Adam college is everything you could have ever asked for and more. Thank your High School teachers for giving you such a great foundation to build upon in your college years.

Jenna

There are a number of small changes or adivce tips that I wish I would've known going into college. The first tip would be to expand your social group. It's very important to get to know the other students at your college of choice rather than to just hang around with the people who went to the same high school as you just because you already know them. College is the time to meet a variety of different people and experience different things. Another tip would be to take a class that researches careers and degrees if your college offers it. Most students don't know what they want to do with their live going in to college but the research to find out what they want to do should start as soon as college begins! It can save a lot time and hastle later on. Another tip would be to find a college group on campus to join such as a Christian group that meets weekly or another group that the student would spark a students interest. This is also a great way to meet other college students.

Stephanie

If I could return to my senior year now as a freshman in college, I would tell myself to ligten up on some things but to also take some things more seriously. I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships, take more college-credit classes, and not to worry as much. I spent quite a bit of time stressing over what I wanted to major in, and I realized that you don't necessarily have to know going into your first year of college. Although the transition into college was definitely new and somewhat difficult, for me, it wasn't as big of a deal as I had previously made it out to be.

Lauren

Lauren, Don't lose sight of your original goals and dreams. Going to cosmetology school is a great idea, but keep going after that! Don't stop and get side tracked. You will get hurt and get stuck for a few years, but keep it up. Try to stay clear of guys (one imparticular) and although I could tell you who it is, I feel you can make your own choices. Just stay focused. Theatre is your dream and helping children your passion. You know how to get to where you want to go and you will have the opportunities to do so. Don't worry so much about the small stuff, everything will work out in the end (and this is me saying that, so you know it's not bullsh*t). Surprise yourself with something new each day, don't change who you are for anyone, enjoy the little beauties of the world around you and always, always keep your heart open to the people around you allowing your love to flow freely. Also, sometimes it’s mandatory to think of yourself first. How are you supposed to help others if you can’t help yourself? Love you!!

Taylor

If I were to go back and talk to myself last year when I was a senior in high school, I would tell myself to study more. In high school I didn't study as much as I should have, so learning to study for tests in college is difficult. Learning to set aside the cell phone and facebook is something that I have learned to do while studying, unlike in high school. And I would also tell myself to take the ACT again, so that maybe I could get a better scholarship from it if I got a better, higher score.

Chelsea

I would say to begin researching career options in highschool. I would encouraged myself to meet with my counselor often to explore careers, shadow a professional , as well as learn about what each career requires in regards to education, classes needed, grade point average to get into certain programs. I would tell myself to be more involved in clubs at school that could give me the experience to gain leadership skills that I can carry to college. I would tell myself to spend less time being ashamed of not fitting in with the crowd and more time appreciating who I am and what I have to offer. I would tell my self to not be scared of judgment from peers and teachers if I don't understand what is being taught, ask questions it will help you in the future. I would tell my self to not run away from math and science because of fear of failure but to embrace the challenge and find a support system to ensure that you leave high school with nesscary skills needed. Lastly, I would say explore several universitys and explore scholarship opportunities and apply for as many as possible.

Joshua

Set a goal for your college career. Know what job you would like to do after college and choose the appropriate major. If you have a goal you are working toward, it makes all the work pay off. If you don't have a good goal to work toward, you are most likely going to give up on college. Pick something early and go for it. I wandered about in college for awhile and wasted not only money, but even worse, my time, and had nothing to show for the work I put into it. I wish I would have left highschool with a pretty good idea of the kind of work I wanted to pursue. Thus I recommend that you come to a decision before you graduate, it will make your college career much more rewarding!

Megan

I would tell myself to study hard and focus on school more than anything. Having a job builds character in college but I should have worked less my first semester in order to spend more time studying. I would say to work on my bad habit of procrastinating and try to start on writing papers and studying for tests much earlier than the night before. Sleep and the right diet are the key to a healthy lifestyle in college. Most importantly i would tell myself to have fun and enjoy the 4 years i get to spend at such a great university.