Melissa
The biggest advice I would give myself would be to look for an off-campus job. One that would give me something to do if I chose not to participate in the activites going on on campus. It would also give me a little income to put towards school so I wouldn't have to take out so much in loans. I also wouldn't stress about finals, the teacher's aren't trying to fail me. They want to see me succeed in the field I've chosen.
Aisha
If I could go back in time and give myself advice about going into college I would tell myself that college is amazing, and I wish I knew books were so expensive and how I should of saved up more money for the books. Another thing I would tell myself is that it's not all about parties and friends, but having to sit down and spend hours on studying and papers. If I could go back in time I would love to tell myself that the transition from high school to college is not hard at all, but instead I just get very home sick. One last piece of advice that I would tell myself is that going into college with a boyfriend is not easy because you worry more about them then you do your school work and studying, then again having one in college is not that bad either just don't stress out on worrying about them and just focus on your school work and think about how you get to see him and spend time with him on vacations and breaks. Basically in other words just focus on school and studying.
Dani
The advice I would give myself would be to look thoroughly at the different types of school. To be sure to know what you want. I would tell myself that I come from a small town so I should have tried the experience of a bigger university then going straight for a small school just to be comfortable. I would tell myself if I didn't like the bigger school I could always transfer but to try something different because I might like it. To make sure I know what I want because it is a lot of work to try and transfer because you don't know which credits will go through, and it will be hard to leave the friends you have already made. I would tell myself to not worry about people/friends in high school because it is very likely that you will make new friends who will likely become best friends for the rest of your life. I would tell myself to try and experience things out of my comfort level because you don't know what you might fall in love with.
Samantha
To my former self:
"Do you really know what you expect from college? Do you really know what you expect from yourself? Some advice for college: Stay busy! I cannot say it enough.
Stay focused on your classes, and don't just blow things off. If you're in college, paying for every bit of your continued education, you obviously care about what you are doing. So take your classes seriously, taking that extra time to do things as best you can. And keep busy!
Find that group of friends you can spend your extra time with. Find a job while at school. Find a tree or a mountain to climb. Find a book to read, or to write.
And keep with it. You will be surprised by how much you've grown and succeeded with all your hard work and dedication, and you will find out how overwhelmingly satisfied you will be with yourself. Do this, and craft it to your talents and passions. And what you expect from life will be more than ready to expect you."
All the best,
Your future self, in disguise as your mentor
brittany
If i could have sat my high school self down and had a chat about college, i would have told myself to put a lot more thought into the distance between the college and home. i would have reminded myself that it would be hard to be so far away from home, that i would not be able to go home every weekend and see the ones i love. i'd have had myself spend more time with the people i would maybe never see agien and less time sleeping my days away. i'd make myself start getting things together way ahead of time so that when i had to move in to the dorm i would have everything that i would need and not have to go shopping last minute for things and be hurting when i ran out of things i really needed. i would have had myself pack extra food because college food is not that good and i dont always feel like eating it. but most of all i would tell myself that i really would have the time of my life in college and not to worrie because college really isn't that bad.
Pamela
If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I have some vague advice and some specific advice. First I would tell myself to not worry about the money and enjoy my time over the summer with the friends I would soon be leaving. Then I would tell myself to be prepared for the drama that occurs at a girl's school, and to not lie to myself about how bad it can get. Lastly I would advise myself to not be so worried or stressed because college has worked wonders on me and I wouldn't trade this past semester for anything.
Kaitlin
I would say to myself to enjoy as much of the college life as I could. I have been very involved with athletics since I started my freshman year of college and am now facing a challenge. My mother recently got laid off from work and I may have to give up sports in order to get a fourth job to afford to finish school. I would have told my self not to take extra curriculars for granted and also would have told myself to work more and save money.
Audrey
I would tell myself that living on campus is very positive but you have to be at the right school. Bay Path is only right for certain people so it's important to find out if it's right for you. Going to a women's college is very different so make sure you know what you're doing.
Dajara
Going back to talk to myself as a high school senior i don't think there is much advice i would give myself. The only thing i would absoutely tell myself is to take every yr. of high school seriously don't screw around because once you get to college the work load is extremely different. Learn how to balance everything from school work, to sports, to a job. Never take on too many task because in the long run it will catch up with you. Take chances and risk college is all about finding yourself so be an individual and not a follower. Never depend on your friends in high school because you will make new ones,it's okay to keep your old ones but finding new friends makes the college experience that much enjoyable. Have fun and be yourself!
Tashia
If I had the chance to tell myself back when I was a high school senior knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition I would have made sure I applied for more scholarships. I would have told myself to ask more questions to the faculty and others who had already experienced college about financial benafits. If I was able to have the proper guidance I would have been in a better financial situation at this moment. I would have also told myself to save money. I would have also told my self to enjoy my high school experience because being a college student now is hard work. Knowing that my mother is a single parent and experiencing the financial hardship has allowed me to become an even stronger individual. I would have made sure I qualified for a number of scholarships that would have helped me support myself in college. If I was able to prepare myself better in high school and had the proper guidance I would have been able to focus more on my school work while attending college instead of the situation I'm in now having to work for financial reasons.
Tiera
Just stay true to yourself and work hard and that is the key to success.
Valerie
If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to take the next year off. My dad had colon cancer, and I know now that I should have taken the time off to be with him, before he passed away in February. Other than that, I would have told myself not to be so stubborn when it came to seeing the tutors that are available, to join more clubs that are offered, and allow myself to have more fun.
Carleen
Choosing the "right" college can be extremely stressful for a potential student/parent. The college search can be overwhelming, challenging, never-ending; but most importantly, exciting! The most important question the student should be asking him/herself, or the parent should be asking: Can I see myself living here? Succeeding here? Does the campus provide the fitting environment that the student needs in order to focus on studies? Because living at school includes both studies and home-life, it's essential that the student feels "at home" on campus, like they belong. How can one recognize if the campus feels like home? It should feel comfortable to be walking around, the dorms feel secure, the college offers extra-curricular activities that interest the student and help encourage involvement. Once the right college is chosen, remember: College is meant to have the most fun of your life, but make sure you balance those studies your parents pay for! :)
behtany
Don't rule out an all womens college, they are more serious academically and worth it in the long run!
Natalie
Choose a college that fits you, that you feel comfortable in. Talk with you parents about why you like this school and what about it that makes it the school for you. Don't choose a school because your boyfriend or girlfriend is going to the same one unless that school is the best fit. You need to broaden your horizons and so do they.
Parents ask you child what about the school they like, take them there to see the school if possible. Ask students at the college about the campus, professors, night life. Trust that your student can make the right choice for themselves given them your input about the college, do your own research about the financial end of things.
Love the expierence that you will share together you will both grow.
Amanda
If it seems too good to be true, sometimes it's because it's meant to be. I applied to my school online for free and got a phone call from them a week later. They had already accepted me and I hadn't even applied anywhere else yet. They then offered me a $40,000 scholarship, $10,000 a year each year for four years just because of my GPA. Students, don't underestimate your intelligence. Also don't turn down huge offers like this because they might not come back around.
Sandra
Going to Bay Path was a big financial stretch for my family, and they could easily have "banished me" to Worcester State but I am here to tell you that it is worth every penny. I have chosen a career with great job security and a bright future, so I would definitely say it is worth it to go for the Right school, whether it's the cheapest or not. Once you get to the college of your dreams, don't forget why you're there. I look back on my first two years, and I was terrified. I wish, in hindsight, I'd been more involved; instead I sat in my dorm all day missing my home. I'm extremely involved now, with three different clubs and being Vice President of the Honors Program. I was even selected for a national Student Leadership Conference. When you get involved with your academic institution, the possibilities for amazing experiences are endless. Pick a school where it is COOL to do well. Some schools are fun but may not focus on the right things. Most of all, stay true to yourself. Best of Luck!!
Carissa
Take your time, plan well, and research does pay off.
Jennifer
The advice that I would give to anyone looking to find the right colloge and to make the most of the college experience would be to look for a college that coincides with your personality. Choose a school that has activities you like to participate in, and is in an environment that suites your attitude. Always check out the campus, and talk to current students about what the experience has been like for them. It is also very beneficial to visit many different campuses, so that you can really get the feel of whether or not the school is a good choice for you. Take things like class size, class style - whether it be lecture halls or smaller classrooms, available technology, and extra curricular activities into consideration. To make the most of the college experience get involved in as many things as you are interested in, and do not be afraid to meet new people. Make the most of the experience by trying new things, and keeping busy.
Nicole
Even if you have a school in mind and you get accepted early decision, do not only look at one school. Look at multiple schools to make sure you really choose the one that is best for you. Make a list of what you want before you look at schools. Remember, you are going to college to obtain an education, have fun but don't choose a school purely on the social life. Research, everything.