Chris
If I could go back and warn myself not to be afraid. I would tell myself that college is not as horrifying as it seems, and to make friends because they are there to comfort you in college. I would also tell myself that school is important and to keep up with school work, and perhaps take a few AP courses to make college easier. But overall be a highschool student, because these are the times thatare fun and once in college you are paying for your classes and school work is well your life, so be diligent in school now and rewards will come but be a kid untill college.
Shannon
Becoming involved in school activities is a huge part of college life. I would tell myself to sign up for even more extracurriculars than I am already involved in. So many amazing people attend my school, and if I had broadened my selection of activities, I would have met more of them. Also, I would have told myself to prepare to have a very busy social life. I was thrown a curve ball when I was asked to go and hang out with the people I had met almost every single night. It would have been nice to have been prepared for the rapid increase in social activities. Finally, I would have told myself that it would not be as hard as I expected to be away from my family, friends, and boyfriend. I did indeed live through not being able to see them every single day.
Emily
As a senior in high school there seemed to be one particular noun that engulfed my life: worry. I can remember constantly worrying about college. I was worried I wouldn't get into the competitive major of my choice, worried about how I would pay for college, and I was worried about who my roommate would be and if I would make any friends. Also, what if my classes proved to be too difficult? If I could go back to my senior year of high school, I would tell myself many things but above all I would tell myself not to worry. I would walk confidently to my seventeen year old self and say "You can't spend all your energy worrying about college. You will survive college. It will be overwhelming at first and yes you will miss your friends and family very much, but college offers many opportunities. You'll meet dozens of new people and travel to places you've never been before. You will develop new and exciting friendships. Bad roommates can always be replaced. If you do struggle with classes, help is always offered. College is fun, so go enjoy it."
Christopher
Looking back at myself after this past semester, i would tell my highschool self to stay focused on your school work and than sports and everything else will come after. Do not procrastinate and wait until last minute to get your assignments finished. The sooner that you get your school work done the more free time you will have to yourself.
Vered
I would tell myself to relax and not to stess out about making new friends and moving away from home. It was a lot easier than I thought to make a few lifetime friends at DelVal. Also since it is only an hour away from home it made it easier to know I could go home at any time if I needed to. I was also very worried about what college classes would be like and how I would do, but it turns out that I am doing very well, so I would tell myself not to stress out about grades because it will all work out for the best.
Nicole
My advice would be to trust your instincts when choosing a school and to visit as many schools as possible. When visiting, really be honest about if you feel comfortable walking arond the campus. Plan an overnight visit so that you can see what campus life is like outside the classroom.
Don't go to a school just because it's where all your friends are going or it's where your family went. Go to the one that speaks to you and will allow you to excel. Don't be afraid that you won't meet new people or succeed. Remember, all freshmen are in the same place and everyone is trying to figure college life out.
Go to a school that will offer you enrichment outside of the classroom, whether it's through sports, student clubs, employment, community service or regular campus events. A relationship with your school outside of the classroom will help you to achieve in the classroom.
Find out what type of career assistance they offer, it may not matter to you as a freshman but it will four years later.
Lastly, have fun, enjoy yourself, and don't stress it will all work out.
Elizabeth
I would advise parents and students to look closely at what they want out of their college experience and what they would like to learn rather than what they would like to do after graduation. The final plan is flexible at this point and can change at any second do to endless reasons, so it is important to make the best of the experience, and to grow as an adult. Also, by sticking with what you want to learn rather than what you feel you have to learn, you will be more inclined to focus on the material and will naturally do better in your classes.
Tyrice
If i cold give any advice to any of the students or parents, I would tell them to think outside the box. To the parents, you need to allow your once cherished and well proected child/children to enjoy their stay at the college by not being a bug. When I say bug I ment it as the parents not calling all the time or comming up for frequent visits, allow your child to grow and mature. I mean this is probably his/her first time away from home for a period of time. As for the studens theres not buch to say but be you and enjoy it while it last, because before you notice you'll be a senior and looking down the barrel of reality and the real world!
Tim
Do your research and visit the school. Talk to students and professors before you make the decision.
Elyse
Knowing yourself is the most important aspect. Having a complete understanding of what you are looking to study, what size campus you are looking for, and your current financial situation are critical aspects of this process.