Greta
If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would give myself 3 major pieces of advice. The first piece of advice that I would give myself would be GO FOR IT! For me, college seemed like such an impossible dream that I never thought I could actually attend college. I did not believe in my own abilities as far as academics were concerned and college seemed like such a lofty ambition that I held back instead of pursuing my dreams of becoming a nurse. The second piece of advice would be to save money for college. College was also an impossible dream for me because I knew the tuition costs for college. Although I was a hard worker, college tuition was beyond my modest salary and saving for college seemed useless and overwhelming. The final piece of advice and my biggest mistake would be to listen to the naysayers who only told me how incredibly difficult college is and how high tuition costs are. I realize now that I can succeed in college and in life because I have vision, the ability to see a task through to completion, and I will succeed.
Rachel
First of all, the transition is not as bad as most people make it out to be. If you are committed to working hard in High school, you will be fine! Secondly, while you want to do your best in your studies at college, make sure you are friendly to others. You will be much happier if you are outgoing and kind to those in your room, your society, your classes, etc. Thirdly, get involved! This is a once in a life time deal, and you don't want to spend your next four years in your room studying all the time. It is possible, with good time management to do well academically and have a social life. Make a schedule for yourself and command your own time. Enjoy being on your own, and as a result, take ownership for yourself! YOU are responsible for your actions and their resulting success or failure and for your enjoyment.
Megan
As a freshman going into college, I did not realize how many things I needed to bring with me! I almost felt like I was going to camp or away for some time. College is a new phase of life. Pack as if you are moving! On a more serious note, I wish as a highschool senior, I knew how important it was to have good grades. The sooner you get into the routine of turning papers in on time, getting above 90's on tests, and doing homework, the easier your transition will be into college. College is a great time of your life and it is often said that it's the best time too. The way you make good memories and good character traits, is to set a goal and meet it. The only way to get somewhere in life, is to know where you are going. And do anything to get there.
Brian
Expect to work very hard on you r school work and do not slack off at all.
Chloe
Don't think that you're going to be some phenom. It's a bigger pond than high school.
Be ready to accept people as friends who aren't 'cool'. They're great people too!
Keep studying hard! It will pay off.
Save some extra $ because you're in the band and going on tour!
Lauren
I would tell parents and students to check out the campus and get the "feel" of the school. Sit in on some classes and definitelty ASK QUESTIONS! Part of the learning experience is to ask questions. You won't know the answers unless you ask. If you, a student, like a specific school, then talk with your parents about it. Make sure you listen to your parents' advice and opinions. (Parents do know a few things;).
Since I am a Christian, I prayed about the decision. If you know God, then I would suggest praying to God. You will know what school you should be at.... that's how it was for me.
As far as making the most out of your college experience... I believe that it's up to you. How willing are you to get involved? In all reality, your attitude plays a huge role on your college experience. Will you be optimistic, or pessimistic? How you view life can impact your college experience more than you know. So... get involved, be optimistic, and keep your priorities in line, and you'll have a great college experience.
Rachel
To find the college that's right for you, visit the campus. That's the only way to see what's not on the brochure or in the viewbook. My personal campus visits were what made the choice for me. If the college was your parent's alma mater, don't just take their opinion of what the college was like--colleges change a lot in a few years! Go check it out for yourself. To make the most of your college experience, take college seriously. Please tell me you and your parents did not really pay thousands upon thousands of dollars for you to party every night and flunk your classes! You have four years to get ready to be the adult you want to be--after that you're on your own. Take every opportunity to grow up and develop character. And above all, enjoy learning! You won't regret it.
Randall
It is important to find the right college that shares the same beliefs and emphasises that you have. Once there it is up to you to make the best of your college experience. Get involved with extra-curricular activites, especially community outreach programs. Even though it may seem too much at times, learning to balance life, college, and work is a great learning experince.
Luke
When choosing the right college, you first consider the quality of education offered. But although this consideration is important, I think that there is another consideration that is just as important. Parents and children often make a college decision on the ease of the student, whether in terms of travel, finances, or social life. While this may seem logical at the time, a college choice is so much more. With the the choice of a college you also choose the quality of education, the respect of your colleagues, and most importantly lifelong friendships. The friendships formed in college are the most important of your entire life. It is thought that the professors are ones who determine whether you succede in your education and later in your career, but they are not. While the professor serves a vital role in the educational experience, the friend determines whether you finish your degree. The friend determines where you will go in life. You see, your friends are merely a reflection of yourself. So when you look for a college, don't just look at the teachers or the education, but look at the students because soon you will be just like them.
eric
look to see what the particular school offeres accademicaly and pick the one that most pertains to their field
Elizabeth
If you are a believer pray about the choices that you make about your future. To make the best of your college experiance find good friends that will lead you in the right direction. You become who your friends are.
Rebecca
My first advice is to go. A student will miss out on a variety of amazing opportunities if they do not go to college. My second advice is to look around. There are many different types of schools. A student should look for a school that has many opportunities. If a student cannot get involved then they will not be able to experience college the way they could if they were involved. A student should also get involved early because being involved is a great way to meet people and make good friends. My third advice is to start early. A student should start while they are in the lower grades of high school. They can get much done during their first couple of years of high school. They should study hard and learn as much as they can while taking the required tests early and several times, so they will be able to make the best possible score for them.
Holly
I would say that choosing a college based on friends and/or boyfriends would be a bad choice. Choosing a college that has numerous amounts of majors would be the ideal place to go exspecially if one is not sure what there major is going to be.
Marianne
When looking for the right college you have to do a lot of research. First, you want to look for a school that has a high academic standard. Second, you have to make sure that the field of study you are interested in is offered as a major and that the school is acredited so that you can get into graduate school if you want to. Third, you should call to get an appointment to visit the school so that you can talk to professors, administrators, and students to get an idea of what your life would be like if you attended that school. The last thing you should do is to find out what kind of financial aid and scholarship programs that are offered. One other thing I would suggest is that you try to find a college that has strict standards against drinking and drugs among students and faculty. If you are serious about your studies you need to find a school that will encourage your academic career more than your social life.
Amy
Take time to visit the colleges you are interested in and try to talk to students who are in the major you are interested in. If possible, try to spend a night or two in the dorms, because you can get an accurate feel for the attitudes toward the school, the rules, and general campus life in this environment. Take a good look at course descriptions in your major to see if it is truly a major in which to invest your college career and beyond. If you will need to work, talk to student workers about how they are treated and how willingly their supervisors work with their schedules. Find out about the cultural and sporting events that are available at the school, and attend one, if possible. Look for a college that will provide you with the opportunities and support you need to achieve your goals, and with enough diversity to stretch your worldview.
Ryan
First, you must understand the importance of finding the right college. College will effect three major parts of life plus more. Lifetime best friends are met at college. Future spouses are met at college. Future careers are dependant on the college chosen. As you can see, the choice of college is a big deal. This decision can effect so many important parts in a student's life.
Second, my advice to students is to understand the importance of school. Yes, college is also about fun and friends, but the most important aspect is education. Make sure the college you choose has a strong focus on education and is not just known as the "party school." You can party at most any school, but not every school will grant you the education you need to make it in the carreer world.
Last, my advice to parents is to understand your child. Don't push him or her to go to a school that only you want. Be flexible and let your son or daughter visit the schools he or she wants. You must be supportive all the way. He or she will not be successful in an environment that is unenjoyable.
Ashley
Make sure that the professors truly love the student body and love what they teach.
Make sure that the student body love the school, and are willing to help underclassmen in their more difficult classes.
Christopher
Choose a school that has a good focus on your major and also choose a school that agrees with your world view.