Theresa
I would have been much more careful about choosing which college to attend. I really didnt think about what woudl be the best move for me. I went away to school for the experience, even though I kind of always knew i wanted to be in business school in the city. Also, I wish i had realized then how much easier it is to dedicate your time and effort to your studies while youre young and have minimal responsibilities. If I could have given myself advice as a senior in highschool i would say to really try and figure out who you are and who you want to be, and then figure out the best way to get there. Choosing the right college for you is very important in being successful in accomplishing your goals.
Kristjan
If I can go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to prepare well for college. This preparation would include: (1) learning how to study best, (2) improving my reading and writing skills, (3) be more onfident in presentations, and (4) learn how to organize myself in a better manner.
High school students don't realize how much different -- how much more self discipline -- college requires. Start practicing; you cannot turn it on with a switch.
Jose
The point of college is not a degree but a form to facilitate yourself to become a better person. As long as you approach every class, essay, book, and homework as a chance to become a better person and grow, you will succeed.
adriana
I would tell myself to study harder in high school to be prepared fot the competative college students from all over the country and even world because of the international students. Otherwise, I will do good in college so keep doing what you doing.
Aiko
If I were to go back in time and give advice to my highschool senior self, I would tell myself to work hard and set my priorities straight. There was a time in my college career where I would put my internship and club activities before my school work which made my GPA suffer. I would tell myself to be more involved in the college community more and join multiple clubs even though I was part of a club for two years. I would tell myself to better my leadership skills and engage in more group discussions earlier on in my college career. Last but not least, I would tell myself to not be afraid of doing things and take chances.
Vanessa
First thing’s first: lose the fear of college! As big and scary as college seems, it is not the horrifying place it appears to be. Alright, maybe the professors are a little intimidating at times, but they are only there to help not hinder your college transition. There’s something you have a lot of now that you must learn to organize: your free time. Forget about Youtube, Facebook, Yahoo! News articles and other distractions that help you procrastinate. Stop pushing your study time to the last day before tests so that you won’t flunk. You can kiss your dream of a 4.0 GPA goodbye. Don’t worry! It’s alright to not get perfect grades. As one of my professors advised, if you get a business idea, take it and run! No one makes it in life without taking risks. Last and least importantly, if you actually want to make any friends, join a club! Friendships made within classrooms will diminish after the semester ends. Important tip: deactivate/permanently disable your Facebook account.
Desiree
hello, me
i know you're tired
and upset
and worried about whats next
and guess what
its gonna get hard.
really hard.
the hardest thing you've ever done-
but you're going to shine like you never have before
you're going to thrive
you're going to love work
it will all be worth it.
Tajreena
I would tell myself to take advantage of speaking with professors after class hours because I think that is a great opportunity to make the most of your education. Often times as college students we are too eager to leave class that even if we are confused on a subject matter, we refuse to ask for help. In college settings, education is delivered on a less personal basis unlike grade school or high school. There aren't always steady homework assignments or active class participation in all classes, especially large lecture classes which are common especially in the first few years of college.
In these types of large class room settings, students tend to lose their train of focus and thought which leads to further confusion in the course's content. However, professors always set up personal office hours where students can receive tailored advice or help on exactly what they are struggling with. Most professors are more than happy to do that and it also shows them that the student is taking initiative in their education.
kyleigh
When I was a high school senior I was lost. The world seemed like a giant force that was constantly pushing against me. With family and money problems I never thought I would accomplish any of my dreams; especially college. If I could revisit myself in that confusing time I would have a lot of encouraging advice. For example, I would tell my stressed-out self not to worry. I would remind her that even though everything is upside down right now it will right itself eventually. I would also caution her to stay in school and graduate. I would tell her that I regret the decision to drop-out now. However, the most important instruction I could give would be to try and get into college. In high school I canceled myself out before I ever had the chance. I would tell my high school self that there are so many funds for need based students. The future student would advise her to take the ACT and apply herself. I would prove she is smarter than she thinks by showing her our current GPA. Finally, I would explain how much I have grown in only one year of college.
Kristine
This is the best time of your life. Use your time wisely and remember that this is where you gain your independence. It is up to you to make wise decisions and know that whatever consequences you face they are based on your own actios. Have fun, be smart and think before you act.
Haley
I would've told myself to try and get an athletic scholarship instead of going to the school that I thought was the "school of my dreams." However, if I didn't get a scholarship for athletics, I would have told my self to start off at a community college and really think about what I wanted to do. Also, I would have taken classes that pushed me a little more in order to get ready for the harder classes that I would take in college.
liz
i WOULD SAY THAT IT INVOLVES HARD WORK, MOTIVATION, SELF-DETERMINATION AND EFFORT.
Tony
I would tell myself to stay diligent and maintain a steady supply of optimism on hand at all times. What I mean by that is that during my senior year in high school, I began thinking of all that I probably could've been had I applied myself more with academics because many of my peers going went to 4-year institutions right off the bat. UC-this, CSU-that, I even knew someone that made it into both Harvard and MIT. Nevertheless, my decision to go to a 2-year college kind of made me feel discouraged. Luckily for me, I was wrong. Going to a community college has helped me understand the workings of college education (ex: study habits, social life, etc) for a fraction of the cost of a university. Another encouraging factor, for me at least, was seeing some friends of mine come back to community college after initially deciding to go to a 4-year school. Plus, as I'm getting my GE done, I'm learning more about my identity and how I should approach the future. In turn this has made me more hopeful for what's to come; a gift in itself.
Joan
I would tell the high school senior to take advantage of every opportunity there is in undergrad because you only get to experience it once. College and universities have so much to offer and we will never know unless we intentionally expose ourselves to it. The only way to gain the full college experience, students must be active in a variety of clubs and organizations, attend internship and job fairs, network and make as many friends as possible because they will last a lifetime. If students have self-esteem issues that cause them to shy away from campus life, it is highly suggested that the student learn to step out of their comfort zone for once in their lives so they wouldn't regret their four years. Students must find a circle of trusted friends to encourage and help them in academics as well as growth in all aspects. If the student is unsure of their future career, college is the place to experience a wide-range of opportunities.
Nancy
Oh boy, that would be a long trip! I graduated from high school in 1973, at the height of the Vietnam war and protests, drugs, and rock concerts. I would tell myself that its okay to have little fun, but you should listen to your parents when they tell you how much potential you have. They are right, you are very smart and if you would apply your smarts to your schoolwork and get better grades, you could probably earn a scholarship to college. Think about how much you love to dance and how you could make a career of it if you go to college, and you would have the support of family and friends to encourage you to follow your dream. I would also tell myself to slow down when it comes to love and not marry your first love when you are 19, instead of going to college.
Evan
I remember being surprised by the level of maturity of new students my freshman year. Despite my held assumptions, every person that I met introduced themselves with great humility. All of BaruchÂ’s students seemed eager to make new friends, even if it was with people they might not normally spend time with outside of school. Although I made friends quickly at Baruch, I believe there were other opportunities to meet new people at the schoolÂ’s clubs and events.
I would provide my high school self with two pieces of advice before attending college: First, I would challenge myself to be more outgoing when meeting new people inside or outside of school. Second, I would encourage myself to explore and participate in clubs and school events, simply for the sake of trying something new. Often times think we donÂ’t like something before we actually try it. And when we do in fact like something thatÂ’s new, it is a wonderful revelation.
As I progressed through college, I learned from professors, students and sometimes by chance that exposing oneself to new people, places and ideas fosters greater intellectual and social growth. To this day, I continue to apply this idea to all contexts of my life.
michele
When I think about what I am benefiting from attending college is an education. Not only am I receiving an academic education, I am being educated on the lessons of life and self. I have learned to be conscientious, responsible, tolerant, and optimistic. I have learned to adequately manage my time and live up to my responsibilities. I have realized that my words, thoughts, and actions not only affect myself but others around me. I believe the most important lesson I have received from attending college is that learning and education are lifelong processes. I’ve acquired the ability to believe in myself and my capability to achieve any goal I set. I am now conscious to the fact that I am as intelligent as I allow myself to be. I have learned to be me. One component that came unexpectedly and I see as a bonus is that now when I talk to my children about school they look up to me as if I now have validity in this matter.
Brittney
I would tell myself to be in as many activities as possible. You get a wider background of everything you learn in all of the clubs you would be in. I would advise myself to go to a junior college for the first two years, because it is an easier transition. Classes are small and you can have one on one time with the teacher. I can't imagine going from a small school, like mine, to a 4 year university. I would tell myself to live in the dorms instead of off-campus. You meet a lot more people and get more involved in the activities the Resident Assistants have to offer. It is also much cheaper, because your meals are included. I would make sure to tell myself to study on my free time during the day, and not get too caught up in the partying. I would tell myself to make sure I went to class. It is way easier to lower your grade than it is to raise it.
Ashley
Scholarships, Scholarships, Scholarships!!
Tonisha
Do the best in every class (straight A's) and do not work fulltime while going to school.