Clark Atlanta University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Clark Atlanta University know before they start?

Eboni

As a high school student, you dont truly know everything that college/career life will particularly present to you. By the time you reach your senior year you've already changed your mind about three different career choices, & college majors. You dont truly understand the importance of your future, you're kind of just going with the standard "high school student" approach such as ( what your friends are doing, what pays the most money, or what your parents has been pressuring you to do etc.) However, once you enter the college life everything all of a sudden changes. You don't have teachers making you go to class or do your work. You no longer have the privalege to abuse free Education, & every failed course will cost to be retaken. It's truly the decision you make that will determine the outcome of your life forever. Knowing this as a college student now I would tell the HS Eboni to listen and pay attention. Understand that when your parents and teachers say "I already have my degree" Its to make you the best person that you can be, and to be thankful for those who cared and ordered your steps.

Shayla

As a first year college student, adapting to the new environment wasn't easy. Being on my own and not having any rules to follow was an adventure for me. I didn't always manage my time in the most responsible way. I would wait until the last minute to finish an assignment which would cause me to stay up to about 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning while having a class at 8am. If I could go back in time, I would have told myself to manage my time better and to put my school work before my friends. In some occasions, I did not put my school work before my relaxing time which caused a lot of stress on me because I was trying to make sure that I would receive a good grade on the assignment and get it done in time. Managing time is one of the most important things you need to know before entering college. If I were to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have told myself it is okay to have fun but your school work is more important.

Maya

I would tell myself that college tution is not joke so study, and work hard. You can have fun, but school should always come first. Make sure I also maintain Honor Roll or High Honor Roll at all times. I deserve the best and to achieve the best I have to work hard. Slacking off should never happen. Also that school clubs are very important and I should've been in more. A job is very much so necessary for me, and to save all the money I can, because sometimes scholarships don't pay for everything.

Briana

Briana, okay listen and listen very well. Whatever mom tells you just do it don't back talk, don't put it off until the next day or the next. Just do it, the advice may get on your nerves but take advantage of everything she tells you. While your taking classes right now start looking into colleges and medical schools you want to go attend and even hospitals you want to work in. Also, whenver you hear about a scholarship do it, no matter! Talk to all counselors and advisors even talk to our cousins that have been to college ask about everything from housing, meal plans, books, tuition, everything. Schedule lots of campus visits and always always always complete your FAFSA on time or whenever mom gets her taxes completed, but don't forget to have fun.

Leslie

If I could speak to myself as a senior, I would tell myself to work way harder and be more involved. In high school I did farely well often just a bit more than expected. Also in high school I was a bit shy and afraid to be outgoing. Now looking back I see how those lazy and reserved time lead to missed opportunites. However, now entering my sophmore year I know what it takes to succeed and I am now more outgoing and very dedicated to my work. Sometimes, it just takes time to wake up and take advantage of what life has to offer.

Will

If I could go back in time when I was a senior in high school, I would give myself advice about being more focused and steadfast in my studies. During my senior year I was more focused on attending events and partying when I should have been more focused on making my G.P.A. higher. If I would have been more focused, I wouldn’t have to be as worried about financial aid as I am now. I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships and get involved in more clubs, societies, etc… I would also tell myself to study harder for the ACT and for my AP courses. I would also explain that even though parties may seem important at that moment, in the future grades are the most important thing. I would tell myself to be more open to meeting new people and engaging with people who aren’t familiar to me. Overall, I would advise myself to be more focused and expansive, because the transition to college will be easier if I applied that advice to my life.

Shantae

If i could go back in time and talk to the formet high school me the first thing i would say is don't stress over new things or challenges someone may give to you. Life is full of those challenges and it's up to you to stand tall and take on these challenges to your best ability. It may not be easy and you may want to give up but hang in there and continue doing the best you can. In college there isn't anyone there for you to wake you up or remind you to do your homework. It's up to you to make all the decisions that will help your life. Of course you're going to miss your family and wish that you was back at home laughing with your family and friends, but im here to tell you that its not going to be the end. Its going to get easier as you go on and you will learn to love being independent and the college enviroment. We will succeed just keep doing your best and remember what you learned over the years, no matter what your will come out on top.

Tydel

If I could go back in time and give myself some advice as a high school senior, I would say to myself focus on your GPA and SAT/ACT scores. I believe that your GPA and SAT/ACT scores are your ticket to funding your education. I am now struggling to fund my education because my GPA and SAT/ACT scores are just normal. College should be an option for all students who what to attend however it is not. If you GPA and SAT/ACT scores are not above average your funding supply becauses very limited. Take the extra steps to make sure you are passing your classes with a "B" are better. Take the prep classes that are offered to assist you with getting good SAT/ACT scores. Still enjoy your extra activities and give back to the community but make sure you focus on your GPA and your SAT/ACT scores because being successful with those two will be your ticket to fund your education.

Alexia

If I could go back to high school I would have told myself that my freshman year was the most important year. I would have altered my study habits and listened to my parents. I was in such a hurry to get out of high school. I would now tell myself to sit back, relax and enjoy. It is all about learning to find some type of balance.

Anna

Please make sure that you are fully commeted and ready for college life. Eating top ramen and and ice cream everyday is not going to cut it. You WILL need to learn how to cook, or you'll end up starving! Remember that you do have family that will help accomidate your food needs as well. If you need to take a year off, try to do it before your first year of college. Do not take any other 'breaks' once you have started or you may get side tracked. It's fine to second guess your major however make sure that you are second guessing because you found something else that you truley want to do and not just because of the money. There will be hard times and I don't just mean the money. You will also have tough classes and will have to learn how to manage your classes between both your work and social life. Don't get to stressed when taking a hard class, there are more than enough different options for you when you need help. But most of all remember that no matter how hard college life gets, you can do this!

Lisa

Lisa you are now a high school senior and you are about to go out into the world as a grown woman. You will be making grown-up decisions and one of them is about going to college. It is very important to go to college now and explore the different options and programs you can do. First start by taking your general education classes such as english, math,science, biology, and writing. This will give you the chance to talk to the college counselors to see what you want to major in. By completing your college degree now while you are young is ideal because instead of having to depend on others you will be self-sufficient and be able to take care of yourself. You can travel, and explore your degree to the fullest. I am so proud of you for finishing and graduating from high school. You know you can complete college because you are intelligent and motivated to finish what you start. So lets enjoy out summer, have fun, and get ready for a bright and fulfilling future out in the world. God is with you, pace yourself, and don't overwhelm yourself with too much.

Jalissa

The advice that I would give myself would be: to save every single dime that you earn because college isn't cheap and you can't assume that the money will just be there. You need to take every opportunity to fill out scholarship information, make the best grades you can so you can receive and academic scholarship. Learn how to budget early, whether you wnat to live on campus or off campus, you have to budget and estimate what the cost of living will be, understand it, and choose accordingly.

Halle

Going throught your last year of high school, Halle you need to listen to your teachers and get the help you need on all your work. When you get to college sometimes getting a little more help from your professors can be very difficult. Also time management and organization. If you have problems now, fix them. There will be a lot of things in college that you would want to participate in or attend but if you have good time mangement and organization skills you can complete your work and have fun. One more thing, do not be afraid to socialize and get to know people. You never know who you will meet or what connections people might have that would help you now or in the future. And stay true to yourself, don't be afriad to be you and don't care about other people's opinions like you did in high school. Be you and succeed. You can do it Halle!

Ahleah

The first thing I would say would be its doesn't seem like its important to study or to stay focused and your going to want to take a year or so off or your going to want to start a job right away. The most important thing is that all those things can wait for just 4 more years and all those things will come and be even better than if you tried them before college. Make going and completing college you immediate goal.

san

If I could go back in time and talk to myself when I was a high school senior, I would say, "good job San! You're awesome! Take as many notes as possible while at Western Culinary Institute and forget about the girls there. Really focus on what they are teaching you and the more time you spend at the school working on scholorships or homework, the better. Also, Spend as much time with dad as possible because you'll take him to the airport in California soon so he can go back to Cambodia. Tell him how much you love him because its gonna be a couple years untill you hear from him again. But dont let that bring you down! you are the man San! you are going to do everything that you wanted to do, as your future self though, I'd reccommend getting as much money as possible from scholorships and grants and whatnot, because even though your going to have an awesome next couple of years ahead of you, planning for the future will pay off. Trust me. I love you, and your awesome. Good luck little San! :-)

Roisin

I would have told myself to appreciate high school for everything that it can offer. I never thought about life in the work force or going to a four year university. I should have used the resources available to me in order to make a plan for college. I also never allowed myself to take part in anything extra curricular and I wish I would have been more involved in the entire social aspect. But high school was not a good time in my life, and I wanted it to be over as quickly as possible. I transfered high schools and took a class at the local college in order to graduate a year early. I didn't know anyone in my graduating class because I went through my day with my head down and my ipod in my ears. I realize now that all that rush was for nothing, and I sincerely regret the way in which I treated high school as something to get through as soon as possible, and not as an experience in which to grown and learn from.

LaTayia

If I could go back in time, one thing I would tell myself is to really research schools of interest and to make sure that I allowed myself enough time to really think about where I would want to go. Also, I would encourage myself to look for and apply for scholarships early so that I am not in the position that I am in now. Finding funding for college has been one of the hardest parts of my journey as an undergraduate student because although there are plenty of scholarships out there, it does not always mean that you will be granted one. Furthermore, I would tell myself to realx. Many times being in college can cause a lot of unnecessary stress but learning how to balance a personal life and an academic life in a way that allows you to incorporate time for yourself can help a lot. Lastly, I would let it be known that it is okay to have a little fun every now and then as long as the main focus is always on what my end goal is.

Stephen

If I could go back in time, I would advise myself to always talk to and associate with those who have been through the college experience before me. This is important as it will keep me on the best possible track going through college as well as help me to make the most of my time during the great college experiences. Also, make sure I study with other students to enhance my education. Never be afraid to ask for help. Take every opportunity to grow myself and to reach my goals. Be sure to help others along the way, for it does enhance my personal growth tenfold. Grow to become a leader. Take on challenges and take responsibility. With all that said, don’t forget to wear a smile and have fun along the way.

Antonio

This is a question that I have always asked myself and always had an answer to. At first I will be honest I didn't have a answer, I didn't know what I would change or even tell myself. I have recently watched a movie by the name of "Back to the Future" The film tells the story of Marty McFly, a teenager who is accidentally sent back in time from 1985 to 1955. He meets his future-parents in high school and accidentally attracts his future mother's romantic interest. Marty must repair the damage to history by causing his parents-to-be to fall in love, and with the help of scientist Dr. Emmett "Doc" Brown, he must find a way to return to 1985. My story would be a different because I would tell myself that continue to get great grades to obtain a high gpa. I would tell myself don't get distracted by anything or anyone, continue your goals and make sure that you introduce yourself to all your professors. Also that it will be hard in the beginning but dont give up, because it will pay off in the end.

Maurice

The advice that future Maurice would give past Maurice is do not be afraid to take risk. Understand and know that if you are feeling scared or afraid to apply or try something out. Know that their are many others that feel the same way. You always have a great chance to achieve whatever it is that you want because so many people are afraid to speak up themselves. Be the voice of inspiration to them but most importantly inspire yourself to achieve your dream and goals, “Good, Better, Best.”