Florida State University Top Questions

I would tell myself to get prepared: College is not a joke. I always received almost perfect grades in my classes without barely trying, so coming into college having taken Advanced Placement classes, I thought I had everything under the belt. I was so wrong. High school doesn't fully prepare you for the scale. You have to keep in mind that you are becoming independent, doing things for yourself - whether it is laundry, cooking, or even working to pay your own bills - life gets harder, and studying isn't your only priority in life anymore. Other than that, I would have told myself to take Dual Enrollment courses while I could and come into college with all my pre-requisites done, for a cheaper price. But overall, I would especially tell myself that everything would work out in her favor, and not to worry or shed a tear over things out of her hands.

If I were able to advise my high school self regarding the transition to or aspects of college life, I would alleviate my stress by saying that all my work in high school was well worth it. Having struggled through rigorous course work all through high school, I would let myself know that the transition to college was far easier than many students experience. As far as the aspects of college itself, the most important advice I would give is to stay focused on your goals and stay determined when the many facets of college overhwhelm you, be it sports, church, classes, or jobs. College is much closer to the real world and comes with many stresses but as long as you stay determined and focused, the benefits greatly outweigh the costs.

The best advice I could've given myself would be to not sweat the small stuff and remember what is truly important. The things that feel intimidating and life-or-death when you're 18 can change dramatically by your junior year in college. I can't stress enough to focus on your academics. We have such little control when we're minors, but our education is always something we have a say in. Apply for any and all scholarships and grants you can find! Look at many schools, don't get stuck on the first one you like. Another important thing to remember is to make yourself STAND OUT. Extra curricular, outstanding GPA, community volunteering- whatever! Just make sure the schools you apply to know just how important and special you really are. Also, never forget who you are or the standards you have. College is a place for finding yourself and discovering new things, but don't let yourself change to fit anyone else's mold: you are perfect being just who you are.

When people say that the last year of high school goes by faster than you can imagine, they are absolutely right. Too often in that last year high schoolers are fretting over what college they will be attending next year, how they are going to pay for college, and how they are just going to survive academically. These are all vastly important, but what is just as equally important is to enjoy this last year you have. Senior year of high school is meant to be the greatest of all four years, the year where you are finally at the finish line and with one more stride you will cross it and it will all be over. Take the time before you venture on with your life to really enjoy it, to do all the things you have ever wanted to do, and to experience everything to the fullest.

If I had a chance to go back and talk to my immature high school senior self, I would have a lot to tell him. First, I would tell him to stay in shape because you literally have to walk everywhere. You are not bringing a car so you might as well bring a bike because it could save you a lot of time. Another thing I would tell him is to become better friends with the kids already in your high school because almost all of them are going to the same college as you and you could get introduced to many more new friends. Lastly I would tell myself to enjoy the company of your family and friends back home. Being in college is fun but you end up missing everyone back home so enjoy the time you have with them now.

Pay more attention in college. Listen to your friends that are already in college. It is not as easy at it sounds. Don't let being away from home for the first time change you. Just be yourself but grow at the same time. It will be ok, change is good. Try not to be scared, and don't be so shy around new people you might come along as mean or cold. Make sure that what your going to college for is what you want to do. When you get a job make sure you don't complain if you can't do something. Spend plenty of time in the library.Don't let the wrong crowd influence you but make sure to make friends that are different from yourself. Learn to have fun with people your own age. Put some time aside to read some books, or suffer froma brain that desperalty wants to read something besides text books. Learn to like sharing space with somebody besides yourself for once. Learn to be more open with your feelings but leave a little mystery. Make sure to talk to your family every sometime. Lastly make sure to enjoy yourself.

As a high school senior, it is unbelieveable the thoughts that are going through your mind. It is a stressful time no matter the finanical need, racial background, or education. No matter what it is hard to decide to go to college or just work. It is the time of your life when you are making a huge decision for your future. Knowing what I know now I would have tried to work more and save up more money for college. Also I would look into what your interests are and let that be your guide. I picked the major of elementary education and I could not be happier! I enjoy working with children and helping them learn. I learned this through working at an Arts and Crafts summer camp which helped me learn that helping chilren is a profession I want to pursue. Another piece of advice to high school seniors is even if you do not want to go to college it is helpful to still make visits. Therefore, I am glad I picked the career path I did and I am hoping this scholarship can help me because I want to get my Master's degree.

"Do not shut doors for yourself. The world will do that for you." This is the advice I, as an experienced student at a university, would give myself as a high school student. In my senior year, I decided I was not going to go to school in the fall. I refused with adamant determination. I made my life difficult by shutting that door for myself. Freshman applications closed, scholarships were awarded to diligent (and not so diligent) students, and when I finally came to the conclusion that I was making a mistake, it was a struggle to get into the university that I wanted. I deal with the consequences of my decision regularly. If I could go back, I would remind myself to reap the rich crops of life before they wither. It is not my job to close doors for myself. It is my job to at least consider going through all of them, and without pause, entering as many as I can.

Stop worrying about what other people think and just be yourself. Be true to who you are and have faith in where you are going. Do not get caught up in the small insignificant things, especially the things you have no control over. Life is frustrating, no doubt about that, but you just have to take each day as a new challenge and just get through it the best you can. You are going to disappoint someone no matter what you do, just don't that that someone be you. You cannot please everyone, so stop trying. Stick to what you want in the long run, and even though it seems so very far away and even though it is going to be a bumpy road, in a few years you will be glad you stuck with it. Just remember, you were given this life for a reason: you are the one strong enough to live it.

My senior year of high school, I was sitting in my guidance counselor's office listening to the same words of advice she'd been giving me for the past four years - "you'll end up where you are meant to be." I had applied to a lot of competitve out-of-state schools, as well as the less prestigious in-state school. I was dying to go to one of the competitve schools, but had just recieved a "C" in my second year of college-level Calculus, missing a "B" by half a point. I hated math and wanted to be an Art History major, but a full-ride scholarship at the expensive, private schools would require excellent grades in the most difficult courses offered by my high school. Once I let go and accepted that the in-state school, while not quite as easy to brag about, was better for me and what I needed, life became a great deal better. I even discovered that the migraines I had suffered from were caused by stress! I'm currently attending the in-state school and am having an amazing time, filled with academic and personal opportunites.