Arcadia University Top Questions

Knowing what I know now, I would tell myself to really research colleges. "Make sure you actualy like them and take the school reviews seriously." Also I would tell myself to work much harder because college will only get more difficult as you go on. The classes get harder and harder and life becomes more serious. You will stress about money and a job so make sure to line one up ahead of time. Also make sure you live with great people. Your stress will only be greater if you live with people who clash with you. Become good friends with your professors. They can help you down the line in getting jobs and internships. You will need this the most because once college is over it will be difficult to actually get a job. Plus, don't choose relationships over your education. You do not need to spend everyday having fun. Seriously focus and put effort into your work. Do not be ridiculous.

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that it is alright to fail at something. You shouldn't have such high expectations of yourself that it makes you miserable. It is good to push yourself to always improve, but there are limitations. If you don't always have straight A's, it is okay, as long as you tried your best. Don't compare your work to others. Focus on your own work and beating your own records.

I would tell myself to get involved with assisting my psychology professors in their research projects right away, instead of waiting until my Junior year. The professors are very open and willing to include their students with their personal academic work. Working as a research assistant has opened so many doors and presented me with so many opportunities that I would not have been able to explore if I had not made the first move and put myself out there. It is risky to put yourself out there, but it is well-worth the risk.

If I could go back a semester there is not much that I would tell my high school self in regards to work ethics but, there is a lot of social advice that I would give. I remember being terrified of going away for school. I was petrified about the idea of meeting hundreds of new people and having to create a whole new friend group. I spent several sleepless nights worrying that my current friends would forget about me when we all moved. However, there were several things I failed to realize during my teenage angst that are now clear to me. I would like remind my past self that all the new people I would be meeting during orientation were in the same position as me; they would all be moving into a new area and they would all be scared, lonely, and homesick. Had I realized this, I wouldn’t have lost so much sleep due to my nerves and I could have focused on enjoying myself. I would also assure my younger self that my friends would never abandon me and that they were worried I would forget about them as well.

We have come so far, please do not get discouraged. It wasn't easy getting to senior year, actually it was disheartening sometimes. The teachers saying that you wouldn't get far in high school, let alone college, are going to be shaking your hand at your high school graduation ceremony. The peers who bullied you and made you believe you were nothing voted you as the "Funnist Girl" in high school and like you. When you doubted yoursel after many people said the majoring in Communications wasn't going to get you anyhwere in life, it was only a matter of time before you realized that it didn't matter because it was your passion. In four years, you've come very far. So, don't ever stop moving and pushing forward. It's easy to get into that small town mindset that you should skip college, wok in a factory, and play it safe, but don't let those thoughts sink in. Get that higher education, compete for a job in field that's cut-throat, learn to reach for the stars. You deserve the world and so much more. You just have to belieev and push forward.

Ana, you're what, 18 years old? Listen to me please. Before you graduate and attend MECA, read this. I know you're sick of studying, and writing papers. You think art is easy and fun. But art school is not all work and no play. Art is a way of life that is not for you. I lived through the ups and downs, the struggles and the victories of adulthood. I was there when you decided to go to MECA because of "dreams of becoming an illustrator". That dream was an unrealistic expectation. I'm 22 right now, been on my own for a while, worked dead end jobs, struggled to put myself through school, spent many hours studying and writing papers because it's what I love. What you need to do is to narrow down your purpose. You always loved to help others. You always loved to learn. Art was a romantisized idea. But it's not for you. You're a rhetoritian, a guide, a helper. Stop living in that fantasy world of "starving artist", and be the Socrates you're meant to be. Love, Ana at 22. P.S remember to learn, learn, learn.

Dear High School Senior Me, Your first thought on campus is going to be, "Dang, these people are huge." Don't let that fact intimidate you. You're bold and courageous. Spend a little time outside of your comfort zone getting to know people. You'll discover things about yourself: you crave deep, intellectual thought and you're actually in an introvert. Take care of yourself. Find other math majors and minors. Connect with them. Realize that some friendships aren’t worth pursuing, and others are. Let some high school friendships dissolve; they were just dead skin, good for a season, but now they need to be sloughed off. Remember, you’re entering a huge transition period. You’ll want to conform to the world. Don’t. Be the light you want to see in the world. Be open and honest. Don’t lose yourself; discover yourself. Always love yourself. There are some days where you won’t feel loved; don’t dwell on those. Dwell on the days in which your friends make you feel like you’re floating on cloud nine. Stay positive. I love you. Good luck. College Freshman Me

Take every advantage to make the transition easier. Pay more attention in all your classes and don't expect college to be like high school.

When you come to college, you will have the chance to find yourself. College life allows you to explore the world all on your own, make friendships to last a lifetime and learn more about yourself and your future career than you could ever imagine to be possible. This is your fresh start, a chance to become the person you always wanted to be without the boundaries of high school to keep you from moving forward. Most of all, this is your chance to shine. Be the change you wish to see in the world and don't give up when the going gets tough. In college, you'll meet people who will make you smile, help you when you're feeling down and who will teach you some of the important lessons you will ever need to learn. You can always succeed the first time, but that doesn't mean you're destined to fail the second time around either. In the end, this is your story and only you can be the one to tell it, so take chances, remember where you started and love the person that you become.

I would tell myself to study more because you never know where that could have taken you. Also talk to some people who attended the college ask them questions, truly do the research on if you want to attend this school. Keep your head up and no distractions. Take atleast one ap class to really test yourself on your capablities. Do not slack and apply for scholarships every single day until waiting till the last minute to do so. Keep doing research and talk to your teachers and counselors and friends and parents. Give yourself encouraging words and then you woud be settled into making the college transition. Try the hardest you can to visit the campus if you can't do a virtual tour or talk to someone. Learn and keep learning because it will take you far in life. With these tips you will be successful in college.