Guisha
Prepare financially because college is very costly. Apply to as many scholarships as possible and find ways to aid you financially through college. I would tell myself to prepare mentally and emotionally. College can be a very stressful time. I would also tell myself to be more organized and well planned, This helps keep your busy colleg life on track and less stressful. Don't try to remember everything because it is close to impossible instead get a planner. Work on time management. College does not only include academics but also being involved in your college community. Lasly stay focused on your goal.
Olivia
If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself "it's okay." It's okay to be scared and it's okay to take a leap of faith. I would tell myself to focus and to not let anything around me get in the way of what I want to succeed in. I would tell myself that I, above everyone else, have the power to make my own decisions. I would tell myself to relax before making any big decisions. I would tell myself to never give up and to always consider every option. I would tell myself what I tell myself everyday..."Work hard, be smart and go get 'em."
Samantha
I would say to START EARLY. I would literally shake myself by the shoulders and scream this in to my own past self's face. DO NOT WAIT. START LOOKING. ONLY GO WHERE YOU TRULY FEEL RIGHT GOING. I would be sure to include that I have transferred twice and that I have attended three colleges. I would also make it very clear that going far away to college is not what makes the experience, but rather, what you make of it does. I assumed the adventure and the college experience would only be valid if I went somewhere far. I was painfully wrong. Past Sam, listen to these words. It could save you a whole semester of horrible experiences.
Cassandra
If I could go back in time and speak to myself as a high school senior with the information I have now about life and college, I would tell myself to be more open. I would tell myself that I can get past the anxiety I felt about college and leaving home. I would want myself to look into more colleges and open my mind to other ideas. I would want to expose myself to more options and not just go with what felt comfortable at the time. I would tell myself to think thoroughly about my decision and not just jump into a school or plan. Lastly, I would tell myself to follow my heart.
Gary
The advice I would give myself would be to apply for more scholarships and to become more interactive with my classmates. As a high school senior I didn't apply to many scholarships and now its affecting me as I am going into my college sophmore year. I would tell my high school senior self that scholarships are a great way to pay for school and it would help out in the future. I would also be more interactive with my classmates during high school because now we have all gone our separte ways and rarely see each other. Its good to make friends in your college, but it would be better if I would be able to check up on some high school friends that are attending colleges in other states.
Jeyleen
First thing is first, go to bed early! Do not stay up and watch "The Voice", you will not wake up too happy or on time in the morning. Going over your notes everyday is a must. Cramming everything a few days before the test just sets you up for failure. Another important detail to keep in mind is always have breakfast; even if it's just a granola bar. The vending machines don't provide a great and healthy breakfast. If the professor is okay with it, use a recorder. When you listen back on it, you might catch something you missed in class when not paying attention. On that note, always pay attention! Try not to get distracted. Turn off your phone while in class or silence it. Professors get irritated and it's rude. Also it breaks concentration. Just keep these tips in mind and college me will do great.
Anna
If I knew then what I know now, I would tell myself a few things. I would say do not be afraid, you may not know a lot and it is a new field, but you are going to school to learn. Visit Aunt Nora May before you leave for college because you will not be able to say goodbye. Be strong when she dies and when Kenny's (my fiance) grandfather dies. Another thing, do not let the guys push you around. Just because you are a female in a male dominant field does not mean you are incapable. Also, when Kenny asks you to marry him, put money aside right away for the wedding. With it only being six months off, money is going to get tight. Plus, when everyone leaves when you start school do not feel so bad about crying. You will cry about once a week over home sickness and the hardships you face. Even when the times look bleak, always have faith and rememebr this is only a small step to your future. Finally, you are going to be fine and you will be amazing!
Richard
As a commuter in this College. I would advise my younger self to go out and find a job as well as don't waste money. College life is expensive and money is very important. As a person who has financial issues, I recieve scholarship and grants but that is still not enough. Finding a job and saving money to pay for textbook and tuition that financial aid doesn't cover is something I must consider. The first year of college is pretty relaxed and it is easy, but it gets harder as the courses advances. Except for English, never forget what is learned in high school, a lot of information learned is useful. Last of all. time management is also as important. Being able to manage your time for class, homework and job as well as sleep would be beneficial. Good luck, and have fun.
Kristin
I would tell myself that there is nothing wrong with a community college. I was so biased when making my decision. The factor of money never came up. I could have saved a lot of money by spending two years in a communty college. I would tell myself exactly how big a role money plays. I had to give up dorming, and I an constantly struggling to try and find loans. I would tell myself to try and stay calm during all the stressful parts and to not bring that stress home to your family. Overall, the senior me would need to understand the true value of a dollar. I question everyday if I will be able to continue going to school, and I wish I had more realistic views before I made my college decision.
irma
I would recommend getting more involved in community activities early on. Join extra curricular activities in HS also. This way, when you get to college you will have no reservations about joining college clubs or groups. They make the transition easier because you get to meet others.
Shanece
I would have advised myself to get more involved in clubs in order to meet people, as my shyness sometimes makes it difficult for me to adjust to new people. I would have advised myself to manage my time efficiently and to not procrastinate. If I need to lock myself in the library in order to study than that's what I must do. Which brings to light, MAKE USE OF ALL THE RESOURCES COLLEGE PROVIDES because they are all helpful. I would have ESPECIALLY encouraged myself how to properly eat before I began college. Like many other students, I relied on meals provided by my mother. But when you live on campus, you must now make healthy food choices for yourself and learn to also cook up a few basic things for your survival. Exercising also falls into this category of advice. Another big one for me is to take advantage of Extra Credit opportunities always because they can make the difference between an A and A+. Never think you are way above that. Another pointer? Form relationships with your professors because you will not only gain knowledge but they will be there to help you find work.
Courtney
I would encourage myself to step away from being the wallflower and join clubs and attend more events on campus. Education is very important when attending college but so is meeting others and getting involved. Becoming involved may help you find who you are, what you want in life, and meet friends. I would remind myself to stay focused on my future, be aware of my feelings, be receptive to others, ask for help, and stay organized. I would also remind myself that this is the beginning; the beginning of my future. I should look forward to what is to come my way and not worry about what that may be, rather take it in stride and learn something from each day.
Kayla
Almost as if written in pen, one cannot erase mistakes but can start on a fresh piece of paper. As life moves forward, the sand in the hourglass slowly trickles down leaving us with a limit on time, and no option to regain what one has lost. Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending. As one grows, they must learn from their mistakes and experiences. During my college experiences and transition, I would give myself the advice of "try new things, experience what else is out there." I personally went to college close to home my freshman year. I was accepted to Coastal Carolina University eleven hours from my house, and I was scared to take that step and live on my own, so I enrolled at Fairleigh Dickinson University, an hour away. My sophomore year, I took that challenge and lessons learned and I transferred to Coastal Carolina University for the Fall semester. I would tell any high school juniors and seniors to start college searches early and to not be afraid to take that step away from home. Create your own journey while your still young.
HelenMarie
If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to try to talk to more people at orientation and to make friends. Although I made friends once my freshman year started, it would have reduced the stress of coming into the school knowing no one. I also would have told myself to research a little more the different clubs available on my campus since now as an incoming junior there are still many clubs I am just learning about.
soraya
I would tell myself that college is not a big deal like High School makes it and that no matter how the journey is it pays off in the end.
Danielle
I've learned to come out of my "box" & try new things. I've met people I would have never met before or even thought of talking to. With college, come new changes u have to learn to accept those changes & realize that there are a whole lot more people out there then in your town or state that are just like you or even different. Meeting new people helps you to better yourself. If you can learn to get along with everyone you can get out or in to any situation. I know now that no matter what career to go into I will have the ability to get along with everyone.
Manuel
So far my college experience has been one that i will never forget. I love waking up in the morning, driving to school, going to to soccer practice, attending class, then hanging out with my friends. I would not trade my experience in college for anything. I also have potentially met the girl of my dreams at school. Having attended Fairleigh Dickinson University has not only prepared me for what lies ahead but has made me turn into the man who i am today.
Alexa
I have learned to be more independent and to make choices for my future . I now make my own decisions and have to adjust to a very different lifestyle and daily schedule. I was used to having my own room and my own space, now that I have a room-mate, I have to be more considerate to her class schedule and wishes. You have to learn to compromise. By staying on campus and not commuting, you get to know more people that you would not normally meet and attend college functions. The food is adequate but I would like to see a variety of foods, and not the same kind every day. Changing the menu more often might help. I am so happy that I have the opportunity to stay on campus and to experience college life. I want to further my education and become a radiologist assistant and by attending FDU, I can do that.
Leanna
As an honors student and creative writing major at Fairleigh Dickinson University, I have had the opportunity to interact with the highly motivated creative writing department faculty on a personal basis. This particular department, with their passion for writing, are dedicated to creating an environment that is conducive to the creative development of their students. Not only do they engage students in class, but I have been able to email each of them personally and they are very encouraging--especially by inspiring me to break through my perfectionistic fears and create something organic; something real. Over the past three years, I have gained so much more confidence than I ever dreamed, and have enthusiastically taken on more leadership roles than I would have ever considered in high school. I am the secretary of Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society (FDU chapter); Assistant Editor for the dynamic, student-run Sphere Online Literary Journal; and a member of the Rotaract club. In the spring, I will attend Wroxton College in England for the entire semester, and plan to intern there over the summer. I've dreamed my dreams and formulated my goals. Now, it's time to make them reality.
Rachelle
I am currently going into my first year of college, however I did take college course classes in high school. I believe that it'll be valuable for my to attend college however by insuring myself with the skills and knowledge to find my dream job and create a stable lifestyle after I maintain the skills and knowledge in my major.