Franklin and Marshall College Top Questions

I would tell myself to apply to as many scholarships as possible. College is a lot more expensive than I thought and a scholarship could help with succeeding in college. I would tell myself to talk to the finacial aid before school starts to make sure everything is ready to go and I know how I'm going to recieve my rewards. I would also tell myself to relax. I would tell myself that as long as I work really hard I would succeed in my college classes. I would say that I would have to deal with some finanical issues in college, but I will get through them. I would say not to let the finanical issues discourage going to college, everything will be ok and as long as I work hard maybe someday we will achieve our dreams of becoming psychologist. I would say that most importantly not to give up trying to become a psychologist because I will get though all of the hard things and someday it might be worth it.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to appreciate the little things I have in my life that I do not have in college. Things like hearing a good morning and good night from my parents, having a bed that is not made for a small child, endless free food, and sleep. Before leaving for school, I was not nervous about transitioning because I have always been a very independent person, but I had a glorious image of what I thought dorm living would be like. I imagined dining hall food that was so wonderful I would never need to snack, comfy-cozy beds, getting to bed before midnight, and never missing my parents. Not surprisingly, none of that came true. I love college life and dorm living, but I never imagined how much I would miss the comforts of my home and I realized how little I appreciated them before college. The first thing I would tell my high school senior self is to take some time to think about what my parents provided me with throughout my life and enjoy them while I still have the time to do so.

If I could go back in time and give advice to myself as a high school senior, I would tell her to realize that just because she had taken ap classes and did good in them does not mean that she will do good in the classes in college that cover what was learned in those ap classes without studying really hard. And I would also tell her that procrastination does not work in college at all. Also to tell her to think about what major she really wants to go for because now as a college student I am still deciding what my major is going to be and if I had really thought about what I wanted to major in before I attended my first year, I wouldn't have taken classes that may not be related to what I want to major when I find out what I will major in.

Min, Get out of your comfortable little shell and put yourself more out there. Spend less time studying and more time learning how to make friends. Try connect with more people, make more real bonds with people.

As a senior in high school, I knew exactly what I wanted. I was extremely goal-oriented, to the point that it annoyed people. I knew I was going to be a Pediatrician. When I received my acceptance letter to Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA, I was on my way. However, things do not always turn out as planned. As I settled into college life, I struggled with Chemistry and became disheartened. Things changed. My goals changed. Seeing where I am now – starting a BSN/MSN program to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – I would tell my high school self to relax. Plans change. It does not mean that everything will collapse. It simply means that experiences are shaping who we are. And I was offered a lot of experiences along the way. Without the past year of research in a pediatric palliative care department, I might not be going back to school to work in this field. I truly think that my high school self worried too much about little things. That one grade on that AP Biology exam did not end up mattering. What mattered was who I was and how hard I was willing to work.

Dear Caitlin, Congratulations on a wonderful high school career! You are allowed to be proud of your accomplishments. I know you resist change, but embrace the new experiences coming your way. You will live with messy roommates every year except the year you live alone. It will not kill you and you will love them anyway. You and Jimmy will break up. This is not the end of the world; you both become better people for it. Always stay true to your values. The only regrets you will ever have come from times when you let others define your morality. Believe that you can do great things and you will. You will make quite a name for yourself at F&M all on your own merit. You can be proud of this too. Cherish your freshman year because it is the least complicated and least difficult. Cherish your true friends, because they help you through some very difficult times. Cherish your family who support you in all your endeavors. Remember that you are blessed, because you will see so many people who do not have the love and support you do. Work hard. Don't procrastinate. Have fun! Love, Me

I would tell myself to not worry so much about financial aid, and to just keep working on scholarships. Everything will work out in the end, so don't be so stressed out about it.

College is a very interesting place. You are going to meet many new people and take very insightful classes. Dont be afraid to branch out, talk to people, make new friends. A small school like F&M can seem very routine, but if you get involved you will feel much happier. Also, take advantage of your professors they want you to succeed and go ask them questions. Get to know at least one at a personal level, that way you will have a mentor and/ or a new friend. Lastly, for college work time managment is key. Plan your time, dont waste it just sitting on face book. Go eat, do some work with friends, excercise!!! If you manage your time and stick with it, the stress won't affect you as much. Enjoy your time there cause its only 4 years.

They should know that F&M has so many great opportunities for those willing to work to get them. You can get by without doing much work, but then you will miss out on the amazing professors and programs that F&M has to offer.

As a high school senior, I believed the college transition would be a piece of cake. In reality, it was tougher than I thought. Going back to the beginning of senior year, I would have told myself to work ten times harder and to push my boundraries. I also would have encouraged myself to fight for the college experience I wanted. "Never settle", would have been the words for me to live by. In return for not giving myself good advice and encouragement, I find it makes all the difference when I reach out to the current senior class of Milton Hershey School. By giving them the advice I missed, it helps with the transition and knowing that I could be helping them for their upcoming year of college.