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If you could redo college, what would you do differently?

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Thank you comment icon I would have made more effort to create a stronger personal relationship with my professors. I should have pushed myself outside my comfort zone to approach them after class and ask more questions to really benefit from the knowledge they have. Katie Petruzziello
Thank you comment icon One thing I would likely have done differently is to try more things I'm not great at.... in college I knew I had a knack for certain courses or activities and I dove deeper into those, but college is the time to try something new and maybe be surprised by something :) Katherine Clair-Kulkarni
Thank you comment icon Yes I agree I should have been told about the conditions for admission to the honors program because I could not progress beyond my bachelors degree. James Constantine Frangos

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Edmond’s Answer

Two things: (1) I would have tried to convince one of my professors to be my mentor; (2) team up with other students for study and homework. It's OK to study on your own but find one or two other students who are better than you are in a given subject and do some of the harder homework together. In that setting where we explain the topic verbally, the brain functions much better.

Thank you comment icon Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action! Samuel
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the advice. Samuel
Thank you comment icon Your advice was so helpful! Caleb
Thank you comment icon I agree with the study group comment! I did this only in the very last year of my university career and it made the struggles of nursing school much easier to bear and enhanced my academic record as well. Katherine Deutsch
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Marina’s Answer

Mireia,

Personally, I would be more focused, waste less time and get more sleep. Sometimes in college you become overwhelmed with new found freedom and experiences, that it's easy for your studies to become less of a priority. It's good to be mindful of that and keep a schedule of the work you need to accomplish and stick to it.
Thank you comment icon This was super helpful, thank you! Kendra
Thank you comment icon I'm excited to put your great advice to good use! Samuel
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for your advice! Mireia
Thank you comment icon You're welcome. Best of luck! Marina Castro
Thank you comment icon STUDY ABROAD!!! Kristen (Field) Manfield
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Kim’s Answer

Well, honestly, I would have enjoyed life more. You have your whole life ahead of you to be saddled with adult responsibilities. I would have gone out more, explored new and different things, and taken the time to be a kid. I was a nerdy, goody two-shoes who never got in trouble. While I do NOT advocate doing anything illegal that will potentially jeopardize your entire future life and career, it is important to learn how to socialize and relax. In fact, socializing is actually a required skill for successful networking and career-advancement. Everything in moderation!

Kim
Thank you comment icon Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action! Samuel
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for your insight! Mireia
Thank you comment icon I couldn't agree more with you Kim. College is the time to not only discover yourself , but make everlasting memories. You have put across the answer beautifully. Kudos. Priyanka Agrawal
Thank you comment icon Though i agree with your answer, sometimes i feel like i should have utilised it a bit for efficiently. I've spent like 80% of the time making memories and 20% to actually study. Looking back, I feel that i could've probably pushed the needle a little towards studies as well. Not that I'm not happy with where i am but just a thought. Surendra Kanala
Thank you comment icon Agree!! Take it seriously and get the work done, but this is a time in life where you aren't saddled with too much real life, so enjoy it --- wisely!! Tony Frank
Thank you comment icon Part of me regrets not exploring the area outside of my college campus, it's easy to get sucked into the college bubble- it's all about finding a balance of having the undergrad experience but still making the most out of where you are studying. Sandra Tichy
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Kaelynn E.’s Answer

My biggest regret from college is not looking into a study abroad program. Projects, homework, taking classes, all of that will continue throughout your career, but traveling is something that will continually give you new perspectives. When you get out into the "real world" you will find your time is much more limited (if you thought that was even possible), so try to make the most of your entire college experience in the most rewarding ways possible.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for taking the time to help. Samuel
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Matthew’s Answer

I would have built a broader network. Nowhere else do you have such easy access to people with such different backgrounds, interests and aspirations. One thing I have learned after college is that you have no idea how a relationship or interaction in the past will generate an opportunity in the future. Your life experiences will be more meaningful if you are open to expanding your network and the journey will be infinitely more exciting.
Thank you comment icon You rock! This advice is very helpful. Paul
Thank you comment icon I agree, Matt! Always try to befriend as many people as possible to learn from them and be a helping hand - you never know how you can help each other in the future! Sandra Tichy
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Christina’s Answer

I would have gotten more involved in the school itself- student government, clubs, etc. This would have given me a more well -rounded experience and an opportunity to meet different people. I went to school with a lot of my friends and we had a great time, but meeting other people would have given me an opportunity to get different perspectives. In addition, I would also have connected with more of my professors to gain some professional mentorship. liveandlearn

Thank you comment icon Thank you for sharing your perspective. Samuel
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Amanda’s Answer

I would have taken part in more activities and used all the services that were offered. I was too focused on just the work. I think I missed out on a lot.

Thank you comment icon Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action! Samuel
Thank you comment icon Thank you for sharing! Mireia
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Jenna’s Answer

I would have focused harder on my language classes, I would have studied abroad during the semester, and I would have been more involved- I wish I had participated in more events, organizations or volunteer activities. I really value the friendships I created in college- I would have worked harder to cultivate more of them.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Samuel
Thank you comment icon I appreciate your support, Jenna Paul
Thank you comment icon Thank you for your insight! Mireia
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Eugene’s Answer

As you progress through your career, we tend to focus on getting jobs done and working to achieve stretch goals. Time to dedicate to Learning becomes harder, so firstly, I would appreciate the time at college.

Secondly, sometimes we are too hard on ourselves on trying to achieve a grade. You only have a certain amount of energy, so be clear on your outcomes ie. Grade can be necessary vs I'm just here to build a skill.

Thirdly, I would not focus on studying something to get the big $$$. This doesnt mean to ignore it but don't forget to feed the soul and explore different subjects. Experiment don't be afraid to fail.

Colleague is great to develop your thinking and build relationships. It takes practice. I wish I had better habits. Read more, write more papers without trying to make it perfect. Journalling is another great too to create clarity of thought. These give you great foundations to build upon and then you spend most of your energy growing, instead of trying to catch up :)

Eugene recommends the following next steps:

journalling
Thank you comment icon I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question. Samuel
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is really helpful. Paul
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the advice. Aaliyah
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Manu’s Answer

I will try to develop my inter personal skills/communication/collaborative skills.

Try to invest time in some sports/yoga/dance.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Manu! Samuel
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is really helpful. Paul
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Lisa’s Answer

1. Have an accountability buddy. Transitioning from high school to college can be tough when skipping a class is now an option (really, it shouldn't be because you fall behind quickly).

2. Use your school resources! Placement tests, checking in with career counselors to ensure you're staying on track. Think about your major, and what type of real life job/career you will be able to find after you earn your degree.

3. Prioritize studying over balancing study with work. Most of us need to balance working while going to school, but the coursework should come first. I'd try to find a job where I could study at work if possible.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for taking the time to help. Samuel
Thank you comment icon I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question. Paul
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Jasanpreet Kaur’s Answer

Two things:

1. Completion of SHRM and SAP HR certification. This was told to us while we were in the final year but at that time the relevance of these certification was not known to me.
2. Now after having 5+ years I feel like I must have written some papers to publish with the help of professor. I am certain, that would have been a great learning and add on value.

Thank you comment icon Thanks for the help. Samuel
Thank you comment icon I appreciate you taking the time to answer this. Paul
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