Grand Canyon University Top Questions

As a high school senior I didn't take school as serious as I should've. I played around and slid by because I was eager to escape the the life as a "high schooler" and slip from the hands of my parents and take a step into adulthood and gain independence. If I were able to advise my "high school senior" self, I would express to her the importance and need of applying for scholarships. I would also tell her about financial stability and teach her about debt and budgeting and how to go through school without debt. As a current college student, I have accumulated a substantial amount of student loan debt working towards my dual major in elementary education and special education. Education is extremely important, however, Education that is paid for is even more important. High School Senior Endreah, in the words of Dave Ramsey, "It's easy to get a federal student loan or even go to the local bank to pay for your education, but doing so hurts both you and the economy in the long run".

I would have studied more and taken school more serious. My family did not put much emphasis on school, I grew up in a household who did not think I would graduate from high school because I was a teen mother also prior to me only two others in my family had graduated from high school. While I was in high school I did not take it serious because I was not pushed nor did I see a future for myself. Ultimately I graduated from high school with my graduating class, however sadly my GPA was low. My transition to college was not that difficult, however it was a little longer due to I tested low when I took the placement test which in turn caused me to start at the very bottom for my general education courses. Had I been more focused in high school this would have been one less hurdle for me to get over. Today I am a very vocal person to my children and all other people that are in ear shot about the importance of education. I push and encourage others to do the best that they can.

I would tell myself: Join as many associations and groups as possible; volunteer anywhere you can; when an adult tells you, "this will look good on a college application," believe them; don't let anyone stand in the way of going to college and move further away from home for school. I would also tell myself not to be afraid that I will fail, rather convince myself that failure isn't an option. I would try to explain to myself that although I'm only going to be a little fish in a huge ocean in college - there will be more little fish than big fish. I would tell myself that all of the hours spent studying in high school is nothing compared to the hours I have to set aside in college. Finally, I would tell myself to take advantage of any and all resources. They wouldn't be there if they didn't want to help.

Danny, In college you must learn to adapt yourself and use your time wisely. Make time your ally, you must learn how to make the best of it. It is not the quantity of hours achieved, but the quality of the hours that makes it effective. Take part, read a book, move mountains but dont get caught up in a sluggish lifestyle that will consume your opportunity. Above all, Become an individual who you would be proud to look up to. Let your ambitions be provoked by meaningful incentives, not only selfish success. I am currently aiming to be the best of my ability. I just wish I wouldve opened my eyes earlier to the truth; that actions will make you or break you. So my message to you (my earlier self) is to open your eyes. By seeing what is really in front of you, you may change the sight in which you see (your future).

As I am now fifty years old and I have enrolled in a place of higher education on more than one occasion, if I could go back in time and have a conversation with myself as a high school senior I would say, "Self, take the SAT, Self, apply to Ivy League colleges, Self, put your best foot forward and be all that you can be. If I could go back in time and have a real sit down with myself as a high school senior I would say, "Kandice, you're about to graduate and what are you going to do with your life?" I would say, "Kandice, there are so many roads, and so many options so choose wisely." And further, I would say, "Kandice, this is a defining moment, look at the big picture and use a broad paintbrush." Oh yes, if I could have a conversation with myself or if I had said these words to myself over some thirty years ago I would not now be striving to obtain a degree in Substance Abuse Counseling. But as we are all well aware hindsight is indeed 20/20.

Tristan, if you dont do anything else please, please, please, just do your math homework. It'll make your life so much easier and you'll never have to worry about going to Antelope Valley College and you might end up at Cal Poly Pomona like you originally intended.

Highschool takes about four out of your fourteen years of general schooling. In those remaining four years as an adolescent, you will start to feel pressured and obligated to begin planning for you future. As a struggling student in highschool, deciding what career pathway you want to take will seem like a burden if you have not yet figured out what your passion is. It may seem difficult at first, but it really is rather simple and managable. Think of an talents you may have, or maybe a task that you love to fulfill. Challenges that you enjoy completing or things that inpsire you. Along with that, think about what you want in the years to come for yourself, your family, and future family. When you figure out what it is that you are truly passionate about, analyze the possible careers that best fit your passion. After negotiating your choice, make it a goal and strive to achieve it. Failing to decide how you will further your education can lead to feelings of disappointment and dissatisfaction. Think about your future now while you have higher control of the direction you can go.

Study alot more!

If I could go back to high school and give myself a piece of advice I would tell myself to buckle down and focus on the present time, not the future. I would remind myself that college is one of the most expensive purchases of your life and without it there won't be too many other big purchases in life. Most importantly I would remind myself that my mother needs as much help as she can get. A single mother who hasn't recieved help from my father in over ten years has somehow kept our heads above the water. Working long hours and passing up dinner parties and other events just to keep a roof over our heads. I can't appreciate my mother enough, I wish I could help her more with bills. If I could tell my past self to work harder and get more scholarships I would be working in my spare time to help my mother, not trying to pay off my college tuition. I believe the younger version of myself wouldn't have let a single oppertunity go by after hearing the story of his future.

After finishing my first year in college, I just lived a really life wake up call. To my high school senior me: learn how to study and prepare yourself. Attending classes and promptness become optional, but DO NOT take take advantage of that. Professors may say they do not care about attendance but then again they probably do not care about you. Missing classes and lectures will hurt only you because unlike high school there is no make up work, quizzes or test. Studying must be habit. Its always a toss up when you should start studying, but there should be no question; start studying the day your pen hits the paper. Unlike high school, you need to retain the information you are recieving for the rest of your life to better your future. Also, have a plan of what you want to do and where you want to go. Choose the college that will better your future and education. Choosing Tallahassee Community College was one of the best decisions you could make. Where you choose to go, paves your path. Pick the college that fits you and has professors and staff that care about you and your future.

Kristin, you have to do whatever you can to get into college right now! It doesn’t matter that Dad said he won’t help you with the money, you need to figure it out yourself, and you can! Don’t just escape and get a job; get a job that will enable you to pay for college as soon as possible. It doesn’t matter that you are unsure what to study, just start somewhere in a Liberal Arts program until you figure it out. Ultimately you will be much happier knowing that you are able to do it all yourself, without anyone’s help. Prove to everyone how smart, strong and capable you are. You know you love school, and although your grades didn’t really show it in High School, I know it was because your life was hell on earth for the last eight years. PLEASE don’t wait to figure it out later in life! I must implore that your future quality of life really depends on you alone and the money you earn. Your goal right now is to become self-sufficient. Be confident that you can do this!

I would have not changed anything. My daughter is a blessing and she gives me the motivation to continue and my pursue my career and give her a better future. Of course I did not have her when I was young or in high. She was not planned, she brings so much joy to my life that it's amazing. I would have applied for my scholarships when I was in high school, but at the time I was going to a community college and thought the money was sufficient. I had to withdrawl because I had no help from the father. When there is a will there is a way. Do not let anyone tell you, you can not. When there are obstacles in the way do anything possible to overcome them and anything is possible.

Finding a balance between having fun, studying for your courses and planning for your next life step is a great way to start preparing for college, since you will be called upon to do this during your college years. Choosing to skip classes could mean missing valuable information for upcoming tests. And don’t forget to think ahead to university classes: Information you’ll need for your major in your college program may be covered during a high school lecture you miss. When you feel less motivated to study, remind yourself that every good grade gets you closer to finding a college that offers a great program in the major you want. You’ll get through it all if you take a step back and prioritize your time: Make lists and timelines to keep track of all of your deadlines and make sure you get it all done.Keep up on your assignments, even after a tough week. When you feel less motivated to study, remind yourself that every good grade gets you closer to finding a college that offers a great program in the major you want. Keep your eyes on the prize!

I knew everything my senior year or at least I thought I did. As a seventeen year old in my senior year, I felt I knew everything. I placed little importance on my education because I thought I would continue to work. I had three jobs as a high school senior and I did so in order to be able to move out of my house by the time I was eighteen years old. If I could go back in time to give my high-school-senior-self advice I would say to have more patience. I was so ready to start my life that I rushed into financial responsibilities that I should have taken more time to consider. I would definitely give myself the advice to thoroughly prepare my study skills for college. Prepare myself to make my college career a whole lot smoother. I would direct myself to work on my memory strength and improving my reading abilities would make my college career more efficient. I would definitely teach myself to be consistent. I was living at 100 miles-per-minute-days. I would definitely tell myself to slow down and enjoy my youth. Live and learn.

If I could go back in time to give myself advice about college, I would tell myself not to wait so long to go. As a high school senior, I had no idea what I wanted to do in the next year, let alone what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I waited nearly four years to further my education. Now, looking back, I wish I would have taken advantage of the opportunity to go to college right after high school graduation. Time is a very valuable thing in life, and unfortunately I feel as though I have wasted a majority of my time from high school graduation until now. I wish I would have gone to college sooner, and at least began general education courses. Instead, I now think about what I could have been doing all this time. I think about "What If?..." My advice to myself as a high school senior would be this: Do not sit and wait for life to pan out for you. Take chances. Make opportunities. Don't waste a single day. Work hard and take advantage of every opportunity you get to learn something.

The choices you make now will affect your future but that does not mean that if you make a mistake, you can't start again. It's never too late to achieve the dream of an education.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to further prepare myself educationally. College can be difficult and takes time to get used to. I would also remind myself to be more careful with my money. I would also prepare myself for communicating with people I didn't know. This can be difficult for some people, however it does make a colossal difference considering that you will not know many people from the school. Make sure that you do not mind sharing your things and get used to cramped spaces. This is because you will most likely have to share a room with one or more people. Be careful on who you trust and be sure to study hard.

Knowing what I know, if I was a high school senior I would tell myself to just go into college has opened minded has possible and to just be me don't doubt my ability to do things. I don't just want to think that as soon as I get to college I no longer need anyone. I would tell myself go into college knowing my priorities and to not sell myself short. I would let myself know that if and when things get hard just take a deep breath and reassure myself that everything will be fine. Another piece of advice I would give myself is to just be careful with what I choose to do and remember that my every action comes with a consequence whether it is good or bad. I would just let myself know to have fun and don't over stress when times get hard.

DOn't waste time messing up in school put your time and effort in to being the best at everything you do

Don't push so far. I mean this in so many ways: distance, exertion, involvement. As a senior in high school I wanted to get as far as possible from my "ignorant" parents and the small-minded people that filled my town. Now that I am 2,000 miles from home, I miss it every day. Even the aspects of home that drove me insane seem comforting now. I visit for the holidays, but that's only been two times since moving seven months ago. Distance makes the heart grow fonder, but it also makes it hurt a lot more. In high school, I over-involved and therefore overexerted myself. I was involved in every club imaginable, from Mock Trial to Jazz Band, and was the president of most of them. I worked 30 hours a week at my job, which I had since I was a sophomore. I took every opportunity to shine up my resume without considering the consequences it would have on my social and personal life. To top it all off, I'm an extreme perfectionist. If I could give my senior self advice, I would simply state, "Don't push so far."