Kristen
Learn good study habits now
Don't worry about popularity. That disappears in college, and the popular kids usually end up with drunk myspace/facebook pictures
Be yourself
Learn how to communicate effectively with people of any age and any level of education
Don't stare at people of a different ethnicity Even if you don't mean anything by it, it can be seen as very rude
Learn to cook now
College classes are so much better than high school classes. Don't loathe the fact that you have to take more school.
Jessica
I would tell myself that college is tough. Don't procrastinate or soon you will find yourself behind and drowning in stress. I would also tell myself that on the rare free day, don't catch up on sleep. Go out and do something you enjoy doing, like hiking, playing sports, volunteering or just being around friends. I'd tell myself to take care of my friends and don't let my best friend get hurt again. I'd tell myself that good grades are essential for my future so don't think that freshman year is an excuse to play and procrastinate school work. I'd tell myself to take tons of pictures from that senior trip to California because it will be the last time you and your 4 best friends will all be together on a trip. I'd tell myself to stick to my standards and remember what I stand for. I'd tell myself that I need to be a better example for my younger siblings so that I wouldn't be wear I am now, trying to save them. I'd tell myself to be grateful for my life.
Bettie
Hi, Betsy. I know seeing me now it a shock to you. I am you, 33 years from now. If you do not believe me, ask me some questions only you would know and I promise I will know the answer. We are in college now and doing good. You would be proud and shocked at us. Our dream of becoming a Medical Assistance is coming true.
Betsy, you are not dumb. I am making A's and B's in my classes and have a 3.0 grade average. It is tuff, going to school and working also, but I am doing it. I am enjoying my teachers and making new friends. It took me a long time to decide to go back to school. I am going to ECPI in Concord, North Carolina. Yes, I live in North Carolina now.
Betsy do not worry about your future. You will be okay. I love going to school again. Jimmy tried to get me go go back to school two years ago, but I was not ready. Betsy remember Jesus is always will you and He will kept you safe. I have to go, but remember God loves you.
Travis
High School is a joke. Don't think that because it was a cake walk that college will be a cake walk. Almost everyone in college will tell you that high school was the easiest time of their life. This is not the cases in college. You have to attend classes especially since there are no longer people always watching you, making sure that you go to class. Attend every lecture period. If the instructor says it, then do it. Remember that high school and college are completely different. Enjoy the easy class, live it up. College is coming and it will kick your butt, especially the first time you don't study for a mid-term.
Keri
Learn how to learn. Memorizing facts will get you an A but not information to carry with you through your life. College is about actually learning and being able to make connections and applications. Do your very best. The professor will work with you but you must go outside of your comfort zone to ask question and participate. Don't be shy when you don't understand something, always ask. Form study groups. It helps you get to know people and get notes that you might have missed during class. Take very organized notes. It doesn't help to have the notes if you cant understand them or find something specific when you need to.
Shalynn
I would tell myself to prepare a little more and consider taking other classes instead of some of the ones I took as a Freshman. I would also have told my younger self to practice cooking more so that when I entered a dorm I would be able to prepare more types of food. I would have also told myself to work harder in earning money or to accomplish a few toher tasks that might have made these few years a little easier.
Christie
If I could give my senior-in-high-school self some advice, the first thing I would mention is work hard. Expect college to be difficult and take it seriously. It takes a lot of effort; you won't get something for nothing. You have to work for it. Also, take advantage of all that your college has to offer. There are so many educational, fun, free activities going on every day. Don't waste your time sitting around doing nothing; take advantage of all the wonderful things going on around you. You may never have another opportunity like this again. Meet as many people as you can. There are so many friends you can make, and they'll become life-long friends. Don't let "schooling" get in the way of your education. Enjoy the learning; don't let the stress of grades ruin a class for you. Take time to step back from your GPA and think about what the classes means to you and how much you've learned already. Think enthusiastic and you'll be enthusiastic.
Tim
If time travel is anything like long distance flying, then I will need a few hours to catch my feet before I can give any meaningful advice to my high school senior self, but after I gain composure the advice I would give is simple: Tim, you can do it! College is a continuation of learning where you can apply the study habits that you have developed in high school towards narrowed fields of interest. Immediately after high school, do not worry about selecting a major for your undergraduate; rather, focus on learning in as many subjects as possible and then choose the one you enjoy most; college is not a race, it is a process of personal expansion which helps you discover your best contribution to the world. With a positive attitude and no reservations to learn, college is an enjoyable experience. A more immediate tip that will affect you more than uncovering which major you will choose is discovering what flavor of Top Raman you like, because unless you learn to cook, you will find yourself eating that and pizza all too often.
Heather
Heather, Brigham Young University is everything that you could ever dream of--don't take the experience for granted! Have fun in college, but all the same you need to work harder than you've ever worked before. This is your DREAM, Heather! Never let yourself take this lightly; instead, live it up! Experience all that you can at BYU. Make friends with everyone that you can, be an example to all of those around you, and most of all take time out of your busy school schedule to serve others. I'm not going to mince words for you: These next years of your life with be difficult. You will lose some things that right now may seem important, but as time moves you will realize that you have been placing importance on things that don't deserve. Most of all Heather, you will learn to love, both yourself and countless others! Don't ever let yourself close your heart off, even if it's been drastically damaged. You will regret it if you do. The world is an amazing place, Heather, and your experiences and growth over time with prove that to you!
Michelle
I believe that the single most important thing about finding the right college for you is finding a college that has rules and an atmosphere that are on par with your individual values. If you're extremely conservative in your values, you will never be comfortable at a university near the top of the nation's biggest party schools list, no matter how good their programs are for you major.
To make the most of the college experience, make sure you focus on school first and social life second. Set a schedule and make sure you do all of your assignments and studying on time. But once your homework is done, feel free to play! Be involved and make lots of friends. You'll never again have this opportunity to connect with people on the level that you do in college. Get your quality education, but then make sure you live life too. Life is meant to be enjoyed.
Annelise
You need to focus on the needs of your student first and foremost. What are they good at? Where do their interests lie? What is important to them? If you answer those questions, it will be easier to find a college or university that will support them. I go to the shool of my dreams, and I'm very happy. Your child can do the same.
Kathryn
Because college is an important part in a person's life, one must choose carefully the school she will attend. Most of the biggest and most influencial choices will be made at the college age and level. One must choose a school she wants to attend. Forcing her go to a certain school will make wanting to stay there much more difficult. This is the students life now, and she needs to be where she wants to be, or she won't be there long or will be unhappy and school will become a chore. Make sure out of those choices that they have the major desired. Last but not least, after one has made the decision, turn to Heavenly Father and ask Him if the choice is right or not. With God in the decision making, one cannot go wrong.
Lauren
I would pick a college that provides an atmosphere which is friendly and uplifting and gives you hope for a new tomorrow. Pick one that doesn't conflict with your standards and beliefs.
Hortencia
to the parents; Let them decide, but never let them alone.To the students; college is a treasure but do not hide it use it.
Jonathan
If you want to find the right college, do your homework. When I was trying to choose which school to attend, I was influenced most by visiting the campus, talking to students, and meeting professors. My goal in attending college was to obtain a good education that would prepare me for work in my field and help me be a well-rounded person. After doing the above mentioned activities, I chose the school I felt would help me most in achieving my goals.
If you want to get a much out of college as possible, don't be afraid to try new things. Here are a few activities that have helped me while in college, I wish I'd thought of them earlier: take a class each semester not required by your major--particularly one that students with your same major are not likely to take, make a new friend every day, get involved in lots of clubs and activities--especially those oriented toward volunteering and service, study history and learn to write well, take pride in your work, do the best you can, and be honest.
Rainy
One of the most important things to consider when looking for the right college is finding a school where you belong. The school I chose fits me like a glove and I love everything about it. When I chose this school I considered not only the level of academic difficulty, but also the ethnic and religious diversity of the school, the campus, and the social scene. However, finding the right school is only the first step. Nothing is more important than making the most of the college experience. The experiences you have (or don't have) in these few years will shape the rest of your future. It is important to find a balance between academic and social aspects of college life, because both are important. Most importantly, don't forget to find time for yourself. These few years will most likely be the only time in your life when YOU are the main focus. Find out who you are. Discover talents and cultivate them. Don't be afraid to learn new things about yourself, especially if they're not what you expected. This is the time to become the best version of YOU.
Jared
Finding a college is not as hard as it may seem. One just has to look for a college that fits you needs: budget, size, and education level. I actually applied to only a single college becuase it was the college that fit all of those categories. I did not even worry about trying to weigh the choices. I knew the education for my money would be the best value I would find anywhere and that drove my decision all the way to a single application. Once at college its yours to make the best of. You make your own experiences by just being yourself. Just do your school work and be social. Its the only way to succeed.
Allison
About finding the right college, I would recommend visiting colleges of interest. Talk to students you see around campus. I believe that people would be pretty honest, and what better place to get an opinion on the school than by students who attend? Do a lot of research. Make sure the college you choose shares your values, academic goals, and so on.
And about making the most of the college experience. Write down goals before attending, and figure out how to accomplish these. One of the key lessons of freshman year is developing healthy study habits and balancing school and social life. Many people blow off responsibilities and go off the deepend with their newfound freedom and let their grades drop. Some people also work too hard and burn out way to early. Study hard, take advantage of the knowledge of your professors, and take your education seriously. But, also give yourself plenty of relaxation. Make friends that share your morals and socialize. It is also important to get involved in school activities, volunteering, and enjoy yourself!
Melanie
I think it is extremely important to find a school that meets one's physcal, emtional and spiritual needs while providing an excellent education in the classroom and in life in general. In order to find such a college, one must identify what is most important to one's self, not only at present but what will best benefit their future. Choosing a college is also choosing it's student body. Choose a school that has students that live the sam standards you do. College is the time in your life when you need good friends whom you can come to love as family. But with all things considered, choose what gut tells you to do. Go with the little voice that ropts you to choose the more conservative school over the party school if that's what you feel will best set you up to succeed in your present life abut more imortanly your future.
Andrea
I went to college not knowing a soul. Now, after two semesters I have developed friendships I will cultivate my entire life. You must be courageous. Reach out a friendly hand, and you will get one in return. Choose a school that you know will have the same standards you are used to living by. Many people, once they are no longer chained by the restraints of their parents, often take flight in the wrong direction. So don't forget to keep your focus. Remember who you are and believe in yourself. Another tip; don't be afraid to sacrifice social experiences for study time. You can find something going on every single night of the semester, so make studying your priority and then the social aspect will fall into place. Talk with your professors and develop relationships with them. The professors have so many people to teach, and frankly they don't care about knowing everyone's name, so you must initiate it. You can't wait for the professor to come to you because you're going to need their help eventually, and when they have no idea who you are, it will not help you at all.