Florida Gulf Coast University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Florida Gulf Coast University know before they start?

damonique

The advice i would give my high school senior self would be to apply for scholarships and grants. Even if I feel like I couldn't get them, still apply, it won't hurt to try. And also to complete my fafsa on time, not past the deadline, i missed out on some grants I could have recieved. And to come to college with a humble and open mind. And last of all Good Luck!

Elizabeth

I would have told myself to stay at home. I moved away for a while and quit my job in order to concentrate on school. I would tell my younger self to stay at home and keep working. When I was a senior in high school I had like zero social skills. So, I would tell my younger self to be more social. I would tell my younger self to let go of negative emotions like the anger and bitterness that I felt towards my parents. I would tell myself that yeah they are flawed but they are still my parents. I would say that I am just as flawed as they are; that I need to love them unconditionally despite their faults. I would tell myself, that I need to let go of that anger in order to have meaningful realtionships with not pnly my parents but other people as well.

Austin

If i could go back and give my high school self advice the first thing that i would tell myself would be to go and take the ACT test. Taking that test would have possibly helped me alot and possibly could have improved my scholarships and or money situation. Also, i would have told myself to talk to my high school wrestling coach about going off and wrestling at college somewhere out of florida simply because that was always my highschool dream. Another thing i would tell myself would be to preprare to work and study hard in college. i cant get away with not studying like i did in highschool. Lastly, i would tell myself to enjoy it because college is going to be one of the best experiences and times of my life and also not to waste any time while in college.

Doshenae

If I could go back in time I would definitely have told myself to learn how to cook! and also applied for more scholarships. Those are the biggest hardships about being in college. Having finacies to live off of throughout the time you are on campus and also figuring out what you are going to eat on a regular bases. Once you leave home you notice how easy it was to just have mom or dad to give you money and cook for you all the time. I should have prepared for that ahead of time. Also it is harder to work and be in college all at the same time. There is way more homework and studying than in high school and having a job can really take away from that. I wold have told myself to save up more money and apply for as many scholarships as possible to live off us through the time im at school. That would have made my college experince way easier.

Kera

If I could give my high school senior self any advice, I would definitely tell myself that the workload only gets harder. I had heard plenty of that from my teachers during high school but I did not believe that it would my first year.

Noemi

If I could go back, and talk to myself as a senior, i would have to tell myself to really stay focused and not settle for anything but the best. After going to college no one will be there to make us do our work, you have to have your own source of motivation to do the best you can in every class. Unlike high school, education is no longer free, and should definately be taken seriously. Skipping a class, not doing homework, or just not putting in the study time can easily be detrimental to your grade, and all the work that was actually put into the class can go to waste, along with the money you or your parents had put into it. college is something that needs to be taken serious, just like a job, waking up to go to class is work.

Taylor

I would let myself know that education is the most important thing at this point in time and stress heavily on the fact to study, study, study! I would also mention to my highschool senior self, to ensure that I do my best in everything I do, even every single assignment needs to have my best effort. Lastly I would tell myself to relax, and to take time to let my brain recover to be able to remain strong and able for the education that lies ahead of me in the future.

Joseph

I would tell myself to really set my mind to getting all the education I need. I graduated high school in just three years. I would gladly go back and tell myself to stay for the full four years and get all the education I possibly can.

Sherelle

I would have studied more math skills.

Conner

Being in college is a completely different story then high school. When people used to say trust me it is a lot different and you cant just slide by, i didnt trust them nor listen. Now that i have been through a semester in college i know i should've listened. Not only is the work load a lot different but everything is like a new world. Your not really around your good friends and teachers don't care as much as they did in high school. They dont hold your hand and give you make up dates or drop grades, they give a lecture and expect the work to be done. If the work isnt done they dont get worried about it the only person your hurting is yourself. So my advice to myself would be to buckle down and expect a lot of work. Do not brush off work or procrastinate. Establish a name for yourself and dont be another face in the crowd because that degree is everything now and you cannot do much in life without it.

Shannon

Don't stress out about making new friends because every freshman is in the same boat and everyone is eager to meet new people. Take advantage of every free meal you can and dont forget to keep track of your expenses. Crazy college weekends have a way of sneaking up on your bank account and shrinking it without you realizing. Dont wait until the last day of the week to do all your homework because its a huge stressor and on the night you decide to do it all there always ends up being something exciting going on that you wont be able to go to. Use the tutors and form sudy groups. Asking for extra help doesnt make you less smart... it gives you a one up on the rest of your classmates. Dont forget to live it up! Study and work hard during the week so you can kick back and enjoy life on the weekends. College is the hardest but most exciting and fun chapter of your life. Dont let a day pass by that you will regret. Try new things, meet new people and explore who you really are and who you want to become.

Kellie

Take the chance the first time, instead of being afraid. Go away from home, don't stay close because you will regret losing a year of valuable college time. Sometimes changes mean giving up something, but it doesn't have too. You can still do what you love, you will just have to find a new way to do it. If you stay because you are worried about being so far from anyone you know, realize that you will meet new, valuable friends. Also, realize that going far away is actually the best decision because it will force you to put yourself into more clubs, and to get out of your dorm more. Leaving your family behind is hard, and going to a school out of state may be costly, however go to where you want to go and do what you want to do. When you have a job in the future doing what you love, you will be happier that you went where you wanted instead of where was cheaper. Don't let your anxiety get to you, try to keep calm even in stressful situations.

Megan

I would tell myself that studying is a key part in college. I might have a little higher of a GPA if I took the studying a little more seriously. College is a lot different than high school in what you are responsible for. Yeah you get the freedom but with that comes responsiblity. College is a place to have fun but there it is also a place to get serious and start learning about your life. I hope to continue on with my journey in college and have the time of my life!

Melissa

If I could go back to my high school senior self, I would tell her to relax. Yes, the college transition can be hetic at times, but it is nothing that she can't handle. You just have to pace yourself and know that you are more then a test score. I know I got consumed by the thought that I wouldn't be able to attend college if my scores didn't get higher. Colleges look at you as whole, not just a number. Get involved in clubs, church or sports. Colleges want a well rounded person. Other than that, you will do great, just remember to BREATHE!

Nadina

I would say to myself: "You must start applying for more scholarships and grants, as well as looking for a part-time job, it will make it so much less stressful for you and your family and you will not be upset when they worry about money because though it is not easy to get scholarships amd jobs, the more you try the better you will be. Also do not leave your homework to the last minute, staying ahead with your homework and getting it done when it is assigned will create a much less stressful time and allow you to just relax and be happy. Finally, join a sports club (swimming if there is) because it will make you feel better physically and emotionally and it will give you friends, as will joining other clubs. I know you will live at home, but it is still important to get involved even if your schedule does not have you on campus so much, find at least a few things to do."

Davita

I would like to tell myself that I will actually have to study in college, unlike I did in high school. This way I would have proper study skills and not worry the night before an exam. Studying is an essential skill needed in college, and it is needed to pass unlike highschool, where I was able tro get by with almost no studying and keep my B average.

Austin

Make a list of things that are important for college life for you. Then rate these items in importance. It will help you put priorities in order. I would aslo recomment that you walk the campus and radomly ask several students what they like and dislike about the school. Make sure you know your campuses strengths and weaknesses. Also, I would advise myself to stop and meet a few teachers in both the general study areas as well as the intended area of interest. I would recommend to find out about all the extracurricular activities. Is it easy to participate in these activities or are they selective (friends, roommates etc). I would also stress the importance of finding out the schools future plans for developement.

Michelle

If I could go back into time and give myself advice about college before I graduated high school I would suggest that I go straight to Florida Gulf Coast University where I recieved my Bachelors Degree instead of going to a community college first. I really liked the university, because of the quality of education they provided. This is also why I plan to attend this same school for my graduate program. By going straight to the university I could have gotten the advice I needed for my future career from excellent counselors staffed at the school. Transition from high school to college can be overwhelming, but transitioning from high school to community college and then to a university can be difficult to adjust to. If I had gone from high school to the university I would advise myself to just study hard and set goals for myself and the rest would come with the help of the teachers, staff, and other students.

cierra

I would tell myself not to wait another two years to start college and make my mind up on the right program that is for me. I would tell myself to change my attitude about life and to learn from all of my mistakes because I am only human. I would tell myself to pay more attention to my grandmother and make sure she is taking her medicine and not stressing herself out. Because if I keep ignoring her and letting the family ignore her she will stop taking her medicine and end up in the hospital and then later die. I would tell myself to cherish all the good times I have with my family and friends because the next day they might not be there. I would also tell myself that no one can predict the future but that I can predict what may become of me within it. I would also tell myself to stop playing follow the leader and learn how to take the lead and to always follow my dreams.

Emmilie

As a new college freshman, I would advise you to fill out as many scholarships as you can now instead of waiting. It gets it out of the way and you will have more money to spend on books, housing, and tuition. It will save you a lot of stress to get everything for orientation out of the way so you will be ready. Register for classes early so you don't have to wait until new classes open because they are all full. You will also need to get your books ahead of time and print out everything there is to on your class websites. The most important thing I can tell you is to just relax. Don't stress over the little things and be organized. Organization is key to success. Good luck past self, everything will turn out fine.