Florida State University Top Questions

There were so many things that I did not know when I was a high school senior. I was oblivious to the scholarship process, signing up for a meal plan and chosing the dorm I would be living in for the next year. Because of this I really dropped the ball on being prepared for my first year of college. I underestimated all of the costs college entails. Meal plans, textbooks, and dorm rent are much more costly then I thought. So the number one thing I would tell myself is to sign up for as many scholarships as possible as soon as possible. I would also tell myself to sign up for housing much sooner to be able to get a higher housing priority number. As far as the transition I would definitely prepare myself better for missing home and my family. I thought I would be fine and have the ability to come home whenever I want. With studying, homework and extracurriculars this is nearly impossible. I would have definitely spent more time home and bonding with my family before I left. And most importantly I would say get ready to have the time of you're life!

Hello, I think the only thing I would tell myself is to save, save, save! I worked very hard in high school, took college courses, and worked part time. I was very well prepared for college. I had already saved up quite a bit of money but you could always use more money as back up. College was fun and a great adventure. Instead of going to a university right away I started at a community college and stayed home. This helped tremendously where other people I know didnt do so and struggle.

Prioritize and Enjoy. Have all of your ducks in a row so that you can get your homework done in a timely manner, but also take the time to appreciate the little things- your family, your own room, accessible food, etc. Once you're in college, life becomes a lot different and you're surrounded by a lot of unfamiliar faces.

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would advice myself to take more AP credit classes, because they help a lot when it comes to accumulating credits and having to subsitute classes. I would also advice myself to always be open to make relationships and network a lot.

Picture a girl who lost the weight and the braces, and made a decision to not be that shy, awkward girl ever again. She was the lead in the school play, she has been in Cheerleading, Band, Drama Club and National Honor Society, and she’s going to graduate with her Bachelor's Degree soon. She is now confident and optimistic about life. She realized just how ‘uncool’ she is, and she’s proud. Especially if being uncool means that you don’t go to that party and get drunk or high, not because you are rebelling against ‘the man’, but because that simply isn’t who you are. She isn't defined by any labels, by any of these categories. Perhaps it’s a mix of all of them that shows who she truly is: dedicated, strong, relentless, intelligent, and happy. Most kids don’t realize how important it is to simply be happy, or how great of an asset it is. Now, picture that girl being you in college. You are not distinct because of what you do, you are distinct because of who you are. You are you, and that is precisely who you want to be.

My high school senior year was filled with many electrifying oppertunities and experiences. High school football games, prom, homecoming, and grad bash. After 2 weeks in my first semester of college, I have collected so many things I wish I could go back and tell myself. My first piece of advice would be to not take my high school teachers for granted. The teachers in high school provided extra help, advice, and offered friendships to students. Most college professors do not know a thing about their students. Another piece of advice I would offer myself as a high school senior would be to take more Dual Enrollment courses, rather than AP or advanced placement tests. This is only because over time I have realized I am a better student than test taker, and could have obtained more college credit in high school. My last piece of advice to myself would be to slow down and enjoy it. High school was the best time of my life. I was crowned Miss Middleburg High School, won the student spotlight award, and placed in the senior hall of fame. If I could go back in time, I would.

Calm down! You know that you have prepared yourself, and now it is time to carry out all the wonderful plans you slaved over. All those trips to the guidance counselor paid off and now that you know what to do, it is time to start confiding in your abilities as a student! Remember, all things happen for a reason and there is no need to stress over the little things that you cannot control. Get in the car and buckle up, because there is a bumpy ride ahead of you, but remember, you can handle it! You've always conquered all the obstacles in your academic life, and this one may be different, but you have the skills to ride on through. Remember not to lose yourself, and get ready to have some fun!

Dear "High School" Christina, You're extremely nervous right now and having a really hard time admitting it. Everyone is so exicted for college and you? Not so much. . . . It's okay to be scared! These 4 years of high school have made you. . .YOU! It's hard to grasp that it's time to move on but this isn't the time to look away, it's time to look forward to what's to come. College is going to be hard at first because everything is so new and you know how you can be stubborn to change. Don't be afraid to open up and let new people in your life. These students are just like you! Working towards their dreams and you'll find comfort in that. You'll be able to handle your school work. How? Because you're smart and hard working, don't you EVER doubt that. You'll find happiness in college because you'll realize you're on the right path and that you're working towards an amazing goal. Just remember to trust your self, because no matter what changes. . . . You'll always be okay. Sincerly, " College" Christina.

The most important thing that I would tell myself would be regarding study habits. When I was in high school I took dual enrollment classes; I barely did readings before class but I never had trouble getting good grades. Coming into a 4 year University I thought that I would be able to do the same things I did with my dual enrollment classes. This was not the case. I found myself in the library every day for 7 hours or more reading. I wish I could tell my high school self to read more and to get in the habit of reading before class, because that can helped my test grades a lot this past semester in college. I would also tell myself that managing money in college is so much harder than in high school. There are too many expenses in college and there is no room for extra spending. In college, the only thing that I am worried about is paying for tuition - not materialistic things or activities. Becoming an adult at the age of 17 is a difficult transition, and I would definitely warn myself about these two things.

I would tell myself to not be so stressed. College holds great opportunities for anyone. You just have to look. And everyone just wants to see you succeed. That's why universities exist in the first place: to help people succeed in life and learn and grow as human beings. Instead, I was stressing myself out about trivial things like if my comfortor set would match my roommate's in our dorm room. I would tell myself to not be insecure and don't be afraid to try something I never have before. I've already missed opportuinites to do something fun and explore a new passion because I was stuck in my old ways of keeping to myself. If I would have known what there was for me to do, I would have planned to make time for them in my schedule at orientation.