Amaryllis
If i were able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, already knowing what i know now about college life and making the transition. I would not give myself to much advise because i feel that everything happens for a reason, and it is somtimes better to learn things through experience rather then be told the future. Yet, I would tell myself three things. I would first tell myself that it is ok to start out in a smaller less flashy college, and to look at it as steping stones to where I will be in the future. I would then tell myself to not listen to what other people say about college, you make college what you want it to be. Lastly i would make shore i tell myself to not stress out so much. Insted just have faith that everything will work out, because as long as I do my best and stay focused on my priorities, I will saprize my self of how far I will make it.
Blaize
I would definately advise myself to go to a two year institution first so save money, especially in this economy right now. Being in $50,000 debt is not a fun thing. So get all of your prerequisites out of the way first and save your money!
Daniel
I would have to tell myself: "It will be a wise choice taking a gap year after moving back to the states because things have changed there in the past four years. After living in England it will be easier for you to reaccustom yourself to living in America before going to college. Your accomplishments of becoming an eagle scout will prove to be one of your strongest attributes, as will your experiences living as a military dependant all over the world. The classes are not all that more difficult than high school, the concept of getting your work done in the expected format doesn't change a bit. Money will be your worst enemy, mom and dad can cover community college tuition and will let you stay home, but they'll live in a rural place where internet is only available from satellite, which is expensive and unaffordable so you're going to have make do without the internet. No matter how tough life gets, how many meals you have to skip to buy gas to get to class, or whether you can afford internet access at home or not, just remember to do what you can to succeed.
Charnele
Where would I start? Well for starters I would tell myself to pay to my class work. That can never be stressed enough to entering freshmen. You are not in the public school systems anymoe you are in a place where literally time is money. Fo every hour you spend in a classroom is being paid for out of your pocket and if not your persay than your parents. Keep your grades up so you can qualify for any and every scholarship available out there. And on that note, pay extremely close attention during the finicial aide process of filling out student loans and your FAFSA. Don't be so quick to put it off on your parents, just because they are the ones who will be paying back the loans while you're in school. May copies of the loan papers and actually read & re-read the documents till you get a full understanding of what you and you parents are agreeing to because if something were to happen to them altimattly you are the one responsible for paying back those loans no matter what your inital ageement between your parents were. In the end prepare for any & everything!