Farmingdale State College Top Questions

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to do many things differently. I am an adult student so there are many things I would do differently. The first thing I would say is that you really have to get better grades in high school. The higher grades you can get the more opportunities for scholarships and choices for schools become available. Money was the biggest hurdle for me when I got out of high school, not be able to go to college. I would drill into my head that not going to college after graduating high school would not be an option. I look at the last 14 years of my life as a waste. I have went from job to job trying to figure out what I can do as far as a career without a college degree. I would also emphasize to get the best grades you possibly can in college with the hopes of getting additional scholarships and the chance to transfer to a better school after a year or two. If I followed these steps, I know my life would be completely different today.

In high school I was only focused on one thing and that was dance, I was in a cultural arts program, dancing in the city- my life was dance. I would tell myself to really take a deeper look at what you love, all that time there was a second thing I loved to do but wasnt paying attention to it because of the accolades I got as a dancer. I was an EMT volunteer- I loved the excitment of the ride and loved being there to help people. The thing is there isnt as much public glory that comes with that kind of work. I would tell me self to think and feel the inner glory you feel when you help someone, or are there just holding their hand, now I understand how important it is and how fantastic I feel when I do it and how much I really love the choice I made.

Just try your best, regardless of what you do your family will be there to help you, and teacher will try there best to help you in class. Just remember where you came from and where you are now. It is all a privillage to be in college take advantage of it because a lot of people dont get the chance.

Don't worry the transition was very smooth, just stay focused on your goals.

If I could go back into time and change my thought process as a senior there would be many different things I could use as leverage to change my decisions. While I was a senior I thought just like most go away and get out. Unfortunately life happens and things change, for instance siblings find themselves in life or death situations fighting everyday for their life. My brother was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer, these things kept me home and thats one thing I learned that kept me near. It is all about being happy and comfortable, otherwise as a student and a person we could not open up out of our shell and become the adult we become. If I went back to my senior year I would soul search and ask myself what it is I really want and not what others think. Im happy and I love going to class and being on campus, I just would have never hesitated to go to the school I did for immature reasons.

That no college is to good..and there is plenty of time to figure what and where.

Find a school that fits all of your needs; one that will help you abtain the career you want or education you want. Always visit the school of your choice and ask alot of questions before you make your final decision. Once you start your journey, get envolved and make the most of the experience.

I would tell people to make sure they feel comfortable on campus. Also, finding an affordable school is important as well.

Be prepared for your future from the very beginning. Consult a career counselor from your freshman year, even if you're not sure what you want to do with your life. Study very hard and learn to love reading, being educated and have intellectual pursuits. Learn independence along the way such as applying for financial aid, how to drive and how to become a mature adult in general. When you try to find the right college, go on the Internet to make sure the college has the right programs and majors for you. Make sure it is in an environment that you would like. Do you like the city, the suburbs or a rural area? What type of climate would you like to live in year round? What do the students do for fun? If possible, talk to current students or very recent alumni about their experiences on campus and consult them for advice. Do not isolate yourself , yet do not be so into your friendships that you lose sight of your priorities. Do not get into a deep, serious relationship with a significant other. Educate yourself, yet have fun at the same time. Have a sound body and mind.

The advice I would give parents and/or students is to take adavantage of the campus visits and tours. The words may sound good when you read them but you always know what school is right for you when you step on campus and can say "This is it." Also, make sure you do your research on the school to see if they have your major so that you don't waste time there or have to go through transfers. And most importantly, do not limit yourself to one college or university. There are tons of colleges and universities to appeal to almost everyone so you will find that one for you. Just reach out and look!