Kelly
If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to stop being lazy and apply for as many scholarships as possible. One of my biggest problems was that I did not apply to many scholarships which was definitely my biggest mistake because I could have more of my college paid off than I do now with virtually free money. I would also tell myself to start hitting the books. I always did well in school without really having to study and at college there is a big advantage to studying the materials. If I would have practiced better studying habits before I feel like I would be in a better situation now. The last thing I would tell my senior self would be to just relax and stay true to myself, because when you get to college there are so many temptations and the only person you will hurt is yourself. College is the place to grow and learn, especially from other people's mistakes. I think that would be the best advice to myself.
Michael
I would tell myself that college is the beginning of your adult hood. There is no longer being under your parent's wing. you are truly in your own. make sure that everything is taken care of financially or it will put stress on you trying to pay it. be knowlegible of all of your wareabouts. College is a big culture shock. You will be around people that you never imagine puttin g yourself around. Take it serious because this determines how you are going to take care of yourself in the future. An important thing is be knowlegible of where you are getting your degree from. Saying is "decide where you want to get your degree from, because that can determine what state you live in for the rest of your life". The reason that is said is beacause different states have different policies and curriculums to there guidelines to be successful.
Christy
I would advise myself to choose a major instead of going to school undecided that way I would have a higher chance of success. I would also tell my past self to not let others influence me and to make my own choices on what I want edinstead of what others have said or done.
James
Don't get so wrapped up in someone else's life that you skip out on your own. Fairmont State U has a lot of good people, and a lot of fun programs to engage in, so you really don't want to get so hurt by others before going that you spend all your days in an emotional rough patch. If you do end up in one, go check out the school counsellor and see if she can help you through it, after all, that's what counsellors do.
P.S. Don't have an attitude. No one at school is out to play power games with you, and attitudes just get in the way of doing good work no matter where you are.
Emily
It is hard to say what advie I would give myself if I could "write a letter to me" as a high school senior. However, the main thing that comes to mind is I would tell myself to not take all easy classes. I thought I was being smart by taking all my required/hard classes in my first three years, but then I realize my first year of college I have forgotten a lot of what I was taught in grades 9-11. Needless to say, the advice I would give myself would be to take harder classes.
Cassandra
I would tell myself to buckle down and pay more attention. I would tell myself to challenge myself more by taking harder classes. I would tell myself not to worry about the way I am dresses and worry more about what I am going to do with the rest of my life. I would tell my high school senior self that the boy I am dating will stick around and I could play softball of basketball and try for a scholorship, I got married to that man. He has stuck with me through alot, he would have stayed with me if I played sports. I would tell myself that he will be there when high school is over. If not for him, I wouldn't have this opportunity to attend college now.
tiffany
start from the beginning. don't wait and take a semester off. take at least 15 hours of classes per semester. don't let yourself get behind. stay on track and use good study skills. don't let the little things get to you. keep yourself goal-oriented and everything will be okay. just focus and do your best.
Brittany
I would have told myself to really set down and figure out the best ways to study, learn how to be more open and to be able to ask teachers for help when i don't understand something about the class.
barrett
LIsten to your parents and stay in school. View your studies as an acomplishment you will be proud of not as a chore that never gets done. Although at the time, you may feel that relationships with your peers are the most important thing in your life, they aren't. People come and go, but knowledge is forever.
Susannah
When it comes to picking your college, make sure you do vast ammounts of research; look in places you would never think to look. While I love the university I am attending and I think it is a fantastic school, I made the mistake of just picking a college within in the state soley for instate tuition. It's important for the student to choose a college that is right for them and that not only has the major they wish to pursue, but also has other things there to pursue happiness. I think a lot of students choose a college just for the purpose of reputation and then find that the size or location isn't suitable for their happiness. To make the most out of a college experience, students need not only study hard, but give themselves time to grow as humans and not just students. Explore every option or events your college puts out, try new things, be very open-minded, and try not to lose sight of your goals. Employers want graduates who are intelligent and have great grades, but that 4.0 average doesn't mean much if you aren't well rounded and adjusted.
Megan
If someone tells you that you can't go to college because of a learning disability, they're wrong; if you really want to go, you can if you are willing to work hard for it.
Rose
The advice that I would give is to visit all of the colleges that you are interested in and which ever one makes you feel the most welcomed, that's where you want to be. As of making most of the college experience, I don't think I can talk much about that because I live at home so I am usually not on campus when the social activities are taking place, but I am sure that they are fun, and sometimes I regret that I don't attend them. A school that makes you feel welcomed and has a comforting environment is where you want to be!
Tara
Find something that you REALLY want to do and find a college that has the right classes and best suits the career that you want. Make sure the college really cares about the program you want to participate in. Also make sure you put time into the school and you will get the most of it.
Jessica
I would have to say go with the college that best "fits you". As far as making the best out of the college experience, live life with no regets (legally that is).
Chace
I would definately tell students, dont pick a college just because your friends are going there. Make sure the one you pick offers a wide variety of degrees in case you decided you dont like your first pick in degrees. Also, dont go to a college known for partying. Even if you arent a partier, every other student that is can effect your studying and could effect your grades. Parents, I would say make sure the school has a good financial aid office and good campus security.
Clarence
America, the land of higher learning. With so many colleges and universities to choose from, it can be a daunting task picking the right school to further one's education. Parents and students, alike, can always use some tips and a little advice to make the selection process a much smoother experience.
For the parent, I would suggest the following:
Always think about the safety of your young, up and coming professional. When recommending a school to your child, pick the one that you believe offers the best environment for learning. Every school in this country can have its share of distractions, but some have less than others. Pick the one that you believe fosters a healthy learning environment.
Now, the student, I believe, has another priority when it comes to selecting a school. A young student needs to focus on the school that he or she believes will help him or her grow as a person. College is the time when you grow into being an adult, and a young student needs a place that brings out the best. A college that embraces the lifestyle choices and activities of a young student is the right college for them.
Justin
You have to find the right balance of intellectual stimulus and social expression. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy...
Briana
Pick somewhere you love because you love it. Don't let friends influence your decision to go to a school; don't pick somewhere just because it's popular and everyone else wants to go there. Think of your future and what really catches your eye about a school. Make smart choices based on academics, nothing else. Really look at what your financial responsibilities will be once you're attending that school, because college is expensive! Be sure the school can offer you the financial aid you're looking for. Lastly, pick the university that suits you, your wants and needs, and is going to offer you everything they possibly can. Travel safely in your journey through college, afterall, it's the road to your future.
Ashley
Do some research before you choose. Make sure the college fits your life style. Look into the administration and talk to student before about their experience. Try to make a decision as to your major as soon as you can so you dont waste time and money.
Hao
One of the most important things when determining which college or university to attend is that "you gotta have fun". I believe that the college experience is what you make of it. College life is not all about sitting in your room or library all day and all night studying just to get that perfect grade point average that you used to get in high school. It's about growing up, learning responsibities, interacting, networking, making life-long friends, and you can't forget the getting good grades part, but most importantly is having fun while doing all that. Many students flunk out because they lack the self-control when they are released into the college world and away from the rules of home and nagging of the parents when it comes to curfews, bedtimes, partying, and drinking. My advice to new students when searching for the right college, is to first determine your priorities. Know what you want in terms of campus and classroom size, diversity, field of study, social life, and surrounding of the campus. Then, enter the college world with the mindset that you must be responsible and have self-control. Remember, "you gotta have fun"!