Kara
Be sure you choose friends who share your values. Makse sure to get involved with lots of things on campus, but once you decide what you enjoy the most, don't spread yourself too thin so that you get burned out or don't have time for your friends. Be sure your relationships are honest and genuine, because you will need the support of good friends to make it through the rough times, and having awkward or fake relationships will add stress and take away a support you need. Be sure to stay true to yourself.
Jordan
Like most high school seniors, I was focused on a couple things. Getting the heck out of high school, my social life, and my athletic career. If I could go back and do it all again, I would tell myself to take pride in my education. Back then all I thought about school is that it was a hassle. It was in the way of soccer practice or hanging out with my friends or boyfriend. So, I did mediocre work on assignments, didnt study too hard for tests, kind of coasted my way through with a 3.6 GPA. I know now that if I would have taken myself and my work seriously, I could have definitely gotten a 4.0 GPA. If I would have done those things, I would not even be needing to fill out this survey. I wouldnt need financial assistance because my scholarship from my university would be much larger than it is. Being in college for almost two years now I have learned what it means to value an education, and to try my very best because every last minute of studying counts.
Kenzie
I didn't realize it when I was in high school, but I used to be very preoccupied with social status and fitting in with the crowd. I thought that the only way people would like me is if I did the same things they did. Sometimes I would go against my own convictions in order to please my "friends". Because of this I thought I would have difficulty making friends in college.
I understand now that the most important thing is to always be myself. I am unique. I can find other people who care for me because of my originality, not because I act just like everyone else. True friends like me for who I am and what I believe in. I would tell my high school self not to worry about impressing other people. I would tell her to focus on achieving her goals and not losing herself in the process.
I would also tell her to stop procrastinating on her homework, because there's a whole lot more of that in college!
Ryan
If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to take more college classes during high school. I would say that they are extremely valuble and that they will be a great asset in preparing for college. Although my high school did not offer many AP/college classes, I would tell myself to take as many as I possibly could.
I would also remind myself to keep up the good work with my grades and ACT scores. They will be of great benefit when applying for scholarships. Without them, I would not be able to afford a college career.
Cassie
I would tell myself as a high school senior to not worry too much, everything will work itself out. As a senior I worried too much about what my major was going to be, and in reality in a large portion of fields you do not really need to know right off the bat, as your first year mostly consists of taking general education courses. I would also tell myself to not put off applying for scholarships, it adds stress and you do not always get the scholarships done in time, you may have been awarded more scholarships if you had taken the time with every one and submitting them all.
Lexye
I would tell myself to really start a time management process. Nothing can prepare you for college and the transition of leaving home. I think that it is something all college freshman struggle with the first couple weeks they are on campus. All the upper classmen experienced the same thing at one point and time and they are very understanding and help you out very much. But, once you figure out a schedule and what works best for you, really its smooth sailing from there. If I were to give advice to any other high school senior I would say do not slack off your senior year. I am so thankful I didn't slack off. Take a full schedule college's appreciate that, and the saying, "If you don't use it, you lose it," very much applies to a college atmosphere.
Samantha
If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would tell myself to load up on all the dual-credit courses offered. They are cheap, you have smaller classes, and more one-on-one attention is given to students. They are also great because you can go into college with a semester down for little cost. This can lead to graduating earlier, being able to double major, or take an easier course load. These are all great factors and I should have taken more courses in high school. I would also tell myself to relax and to have a good time, but to also study more for important tests. I would also tell myself that you would make great, new friends in college and not to worry about what you wear or who likes you in high school. It was a more judgmental time in high school and things will change once you get to college. I wish I could go back to my senior year of high school and relive some of these things, but hopefully I will be able to change the lives of younger students!
Helena
Looking back on my senior year of high school, I was a different person that I am now. I had so many friends, was the captian of the tennis team, and had just recieved the lead role in the musical. If I could go back in time to tell myself one thing, it would be to never settle for less. I was thankful for everything I had in high school and I am still thankful today. That said, I would use my advice of never settling for less in my friendships and my academics today. I would have known that I shouldn't be friends with people who take advantage of me, I would have known to search for scholarship every chance i had so that that I wouldn't have to settle for years of debt, and I would have known to never for a moment slack on the drive to reach my goals. Getting into school, finding a job, and being true to myself are the most important things in life. But since going back in time is impossible, these couple years since high school have build character and have taught me to never settle for less anyway.
Lara
Dear High school self,
I know you would much rather read a letter than a list (you have already seen so many of those). Here is what I should have known.
During your last year of high school, apply for as many scholarships as you can, renewable is best.
When you start packing for college, don't forget to pack things you can do with friends such as a frisbee, board games, and colored pencils. You will need the relief this interaction can bring.
Once you get to college, don't put off establishing relationships. If you don't interact with people until you know them, you may never interact with anybody. OK, that's an exaggeration, but the more friendships you establish early, the better. I would recommend leaving your dorm room door propped open. This seems to encourage people to interact with you. Isolation is necessary when you have work to do, but social interaction is good, too.
Lastly, your sleep habits will change. Try to establish a regular sleep schedule, but don't be afraid to occasionally break it.
God's blessings on your adventure!
Brittany
I would tell myself to listen to my gut instinct when choosing a school. I would tell myself to open myself up and fully immerse myself in the new experience. Lastly, I would tell myself to stay true to myself and not try to become someone that I am not. I would also tell myself to not be afraid to take the road less traveled and step out of the box because I might be surprised with what find.
erin
college is harder than high school. you will learn what it really means to study. your teachers here really care about you and want whats best for you.
Samantha
I would tell myself that college is a lot harder than high school. Because college is so much harder I would ensure that I spent a lot more time studying and and working harder at my classes. It is very important to do well in college and so I would make sure that I studied often and studied very hard for all my assignments and tests.
Hannah
Just enjoy the rest of you senior year and relax because college is very hectic but also very exciting and fun. When you come to college be prepared to be open to new possibilities and friends. You never know who will end up being your best friend or future roommate.
Heather
If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to take the college search more seriously. When I was in high school I put off my college search and avoided it and in results of that ended up at a community college for the past two years. Although I have saved money, I believe that my education may have been better suited at a 4-year SUNY school right off the bat. I think it is important to find a school that is right for you and to take the search very seriously. It is much easier to go to a school for four consecutive years somewhere you like and do well at than to have to transfer.
Kristin
You are the master of your universe. Things will get better. Some people are just late bloomers. You may need to learn life lessons the hard way, but remember that in the end things turn out the way you want them to because you are ultimately in control of what happens in your life. Don't be the victim. Things won't be easy and the pay-off will feel like it is miles away but there is a pay-off and it is worth it. Remember that happiness comes in many forms. Don't get too stuck on the picture in your head. Your life will lead you to strange and amazing places; embrace them and choose to be happy.
Cindy
The advice I would give to myself is to learn how to prioritize tasks and how to manage time wisely. College is a whole different anvironment than high school. Many people attended high school only because they "have to". For that reason, high school students are lot less serious about the studies. Especially during the senior year, many students are concerned of the relationships with friends but pay less attention to the preparation for the future. When starting college life, I then realized how much pressure I received from college level studies. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would stronly advice myself to sign up workshops which provide my informaiton on how to survive in college. These workshops can offer me advices on how to manage time (since I found there was never enough time for me to study), how to prioritize and also teach me how to stary physically and mentally healthy in order to handle the challenging works in college.
KONG
I would advise myself to focus on my studies. Improve time management to perform well on exams and assignments. Every minute counts, failure is another step towards success. Academics is more important than socializing. College is an confortable environment to learn and grow. Set goals and be persistence with long term learning.
Serena
I would tell myself to work as many jobs as possible in high school and save as much as possible. Don't eat out whenever you feel like it. Put some money in a high interest savings account. Take even more online college classes than I did. The more college classes you take in high school, the less General Eds you'll have to take in college.
Laura
College is a huge step in one's life. It requires flexibility, perseverance, and confidence. Thinking about making the transition from high school to college made me extremely anxious. I was totally unsure of what this experience would bring and how it would change my life. I would be moving away from home, leaving my friends and family behind, and starting a new life on my own. Now that I am in the midst of my second semester at college, I wish that I could have gone back and talked to myself while I was still in high school. I would assure "me" that college isn't so bad. There are many new transitions that must be made and sometimes it is really hard, but college provides one with so many amazing experiences one could never find anywhere else. It gave me the chance to grow into someone I never really knew I could be. I've made new friends, strengthened my faith, and grown into a stronger, more sure person. College is tough. It's a huge transition, but it's a transition I would never regret.
Joseph
Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You want to head to College!
To go off and away!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
Consider budget and location for the college you choose.
Look through the college list. Check it over with care.
About some you will say, “I don’t choose to go there.”
With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet,
You’re smart you can pick the best college street.
Once you get there, you’ll find people to meet that are fun,
Students to talk with, game with, and things to be done,
You can hang in the lounges, or go out on the town,
They’re your best friends forever, you’ll love having them around.
Classes they’ll make you so smart and so bright,
But you might study all day and into the night.
Your teachers will teach you the road to success,
Read your books and make sure you pass all your tests.
The value of college and the experiences are great.
Enjoy every minute, some may even find their mate!
Will you succeed?
Work hard, yes indeed!
(99 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)