College of Central Florida Top Questions

Taking time off is not a bad thing. You got your AA while in high school: you're ahead of the game.

I would have went to college right after I graduated high school. Study hard and participate very often. Put school first.

If I could go back in time, I would tell the younger version of me three things. Trust your instincts, make friends, and listen to your parents. Your gut feeling is usually right. If someone seems sketchy, they probably are. On the first day of class, if the professor's arrogent,or unhelpful, GET OUT. Don't try to be the one who tough's it out. Just leave. Transfer to another class that day. The first day is the day to make friends. They come in handy for social gatherings and study parties. Always create a study group within the first two weeks of classes, no excuses. Studying is the most important aspect of doing well in school. Don't slack off. Friends help you do well and encourage improvement. When you leave the house for the first time your parents are going to tell you to be smart. They're going to say that you shouldn't party and to save money while in Community College because you're going to need it later. Well, right now I'm in the later and YOU SHOULD HAVE LISTENED! If you don't, however, it was worth it.

I think the majority will agree with me when I say that, senior year is the most stressful time during high school. Now that I am a college freshman I am starting to realize what I should have done. While I was in high school, I had taken several dual enrollment and Advanced Placement courses to complete my college math, english, and elective courses. Looking back this was the most beneficial thing for my future. As for the advice that I would give myself in order to have a smoother transition, I would say to do myself a favor and not procrastinate with filling out scholarships and filing college applications. I would finally give the advice to take a deep breath and stop worrying about the future, but focus on the present.

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that everything won't always work out the way you them too but that it will be for the better. I would tell myself to not stress out so easily because the professors and college advisors will be their to help you through every obstacle you encounter. Finally, I would tell myself to just let go and enjoy yourself because you might miss out on some really great opportunities if you don't.

Kathryn, make sure you go to college as soon as possible and get a degree in a trade that will let you grow through out your career. Apply yourself to your classes and get the best grades possible. Make sure the college you go to will help you find a good company to work for. Also pick a trade that you will enjoy and will be happy to go to work everyday. Your family is very important also, they need to be behind you and support you emotionaly if possible, they will encourage you to do your very best and complete your education.

In high school, especially as a senior, I was a slacker so the first thing I would do is push me off the couch and into the closest library. I would explain that it is absolutely necessary to have a firm knowledge base in everything you possibly can before you step foot on campus. The best way to prepare yourself is to develop a desire to learn and then to make lifelong learning one of your highest values. I would also indicate that there are thousands of scholarships out there and I need to take advantage of as many as I can. It's very obvious to me now that people offering you money based on your academic merit is something not to take for granted. There is so much out there and if you ignore it you'll end up struggling trying to scour up funds for all the things you didn't think of such as books, housing, and bills. Most importantly I would explain the necessity of being open minded. You don't expect to change your major three times, but you change and you have to be willing to fall into the niche that's right.

I have learned that you are never to old to attend college and that it is not a waste of time; The reason for me saying that is because I have three young children at home that have a future that depends on what mom decides to do with her future. I want them to know if you don't go to college right after high school always know that when you are ready that you are never to young, old and it will not be a waste of time. You will meet alot of people along the way that will enrich your mind with knowledge that will help you on that college experience; I want them to know that if you want it go get it don't let the next person stand in your way of reaching your goals to a good life, good future. Even though my children are still young I teach them to always be the best, be a leader and not a follower, and be a go getter. My children are my world and they are the reason I'm working hard at this so that they can be proud of me.

I have gotten professional help. I have furthered my education and hope to use this education to secure a decent position in a prestigious company. It has been invaluable to attend. There is not a price I can put on my education. It makes me a better mom, role model, and overall better person.

I have gotten a great deal out of my college experience because it has allowed me to go back to school and study a subject I really want to pursue for a career, plus it has afforded me the opportunity to interact with other people for a different age group and nationality which in turn in broading my horizon on the world as a whole and to see there aspirations are just the same as ours here in America. It's a joy to see how hunger the young minds are and I am privilaged to be apart of this experience.

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I have gotten experience in how college courses are organized. I have gained new friendships with people that I have met on campus. The teachers are so nice and caring. The tuition isn't so high compared to universities and private colleges.

I am already attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for getting a Master's degree in Aeronautics. I always wanted to be a pilot and am about to start my training.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself I would tell me how important is to keep goog grades in high school, because good grades are the main key to get to the university or college that you want. Also that good grades would give me a better chance to win scholarships, which are very important in my case. Another advise would be that I needed to avoid getting pregnant in high school, because having a baby makes it harder to make a less stressfull transition from high school to college or university, and also harder to focus only on school. Last but not least would be that I should take time to fill scholarships while I was in high school and take advantage of the many programs willing to help with the transition from high school to college or university.

The advice I would give to my 'highschool' self is to straighten up! Your highschool grades and schooling habits matter. In highschool I was constantly 'having fun' and not worrying about the future. I feel that I am so much more mature now and I wish I would of known what I know now.

I would tell myself to be ready for a HUGE reality check. College assignments are definately more intense than high school ones, and the responsibility levels increase immensly. I could go on with a lot more negativity, but instead I would finish up with some of the positive transitions. You FINALLY will be treated like an adult at college, and you get the freedom to choose what classes you want to take. I would then tell myself that college is AWESOME and that I will love it!

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself about college life, the first thing I would inform myself would be about deadlines. College runs on deadlines. Scholarships, finanical aid, applications, and all school work is created with a specfic deadline. In high school, you may get a few days extra but it doesnt work in college. All professors have deadlines for assignments and tests. Another thing to keep in mind would be to be on time. Being on time for class is mandatory. If you come late serveral times the professor can take you out of the class. However, the transition can be easy if you get involved and speak with other classmates or professors and counselors. Getting involved in various clubs will make the college experience worth while. In addition gettin to know the adminstration will be a big help in planning and completing you years at college.

I wanted to study and possibly join the Orthodox Church when I was a senior in High School, but peers intimidated me and I remained protestant. I did eventually convert to Orthodox Christianity and if I could time travel back to my senior year, I would tell myself to go ahead and do it then. I would tell myself to go to Hellenic College and study Religion. That is what I am trying to do now. Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, the Greek Orthodox seminary, is also on the same campus. I want to study at Holy Cross after completing undergraduate studies. With my bishop's blessing, hopefully that will happen. I was not passionate about anything except serving my selfish desires until I joined the Orthodox Church. After that I began to have a desire to serve the Church in a higher capacity.

Many people, young and old, often find it difficult to ask for help. As a senior in high school, I was very timid when it came to asking my guidance counselor for advice. Now that I have begun to experience college life and all of the changes that come along with it, I realize that asking for help is vital. Whether it?s asking a guidance counselor about classes, or seeking help from a classmate in algebra, there is nothing to be embarrassed about?everybody needs help. It may seem scary or like the world is crashing down upon you, but what could result from not seeking help could be even worse. Just remember that guidance counselors are there especially for you.

Knowing what I know now about college and making the transition, I would definitely go back to myself as a highschool senior and encourage myself to take as many college courses in high school as i could. not only would this have equiped me more to handle the work load when i did actually get to college, and allow me to save money. by taking classes as a dual enrolled student, you save money on those general education classes and you graduate with a highschool diploma and most of your general education classes completed. This is the best advice i would give myself as a high school senior because now that im in college i wish someone would have encouraged me to do so when i was a high school senior.