Grand Valley State University Top Questions

Over the span of my freshman year thus far, things have been extremely different from the way I thought they would be. If I had known what I know now, I would definitely have done things differently. During my senior year, I focused a lot on colleges that were out-of-state, completely ignoring their tuition costs; as a result, I was only accepted to one school in Michigan. But, over the summer, my family and I applied for loans, and were denied financial aid many times. Using Parent Plus loans, I was able to finance my first semester at the only school I was accepted to, but after attending, I knew that it wasn't for me. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the things I would tell myself seem obvious. Phrases come to mind like, "Go with what you're good at" or "Look close to home." But other things come to mind as well. "Don't stress out so much." Because after all, the college I am at now is immensily enjoyable and has thus far been worth every hardship I have faced.

Be open to new experiances and new people, but most importantly to new career choices... Do not fight what you naturally seem to move towards or gravitate towards in courses... Yes it's scary changing your mind, but when you find your niche, you'll know it, and theres no greater feeling than knowing that you're headed down the path you were meant to be on. Sometimes you will get lost, but theres aways a prupose behind the confusion, and you WILL come out more secure and confident in your future :)

If I could go back and talk to myself during my senior year, I would tell myself to not be so worried or anxious, and to be more layed back about little things that happen throughout life. Going to college is an absolute privileged that your parents did not get the chance to do. So take this time in your life to meet, and experience friends that you will end up having for life, and use the rest of your time to find out who you are and what you want to become. You can do anything you put your mind and effort into. No matter what anyone tells you, you are just as smart and pretty as any of the girls going into college. Last but not least live life to the up most fullest.

If I could go back to when I was a senior in high school and give myself advice, I would tell myself to not get too stressed because everything will work out in the end. I would advice myself to enjoy the time in high school because I would miss it. At the same time college is not as scary as it seems. College is actually a great and wonderful experience. In the end just relax and enjoy your life.

If I could go back in time and talk to the high school senior Me, I would tell myself not to fear the future. I would say to the younger me that I have all the tools I need to transition into college. I'd tell her that it isn't about how much math or science you know that will help you get through classes but the majority of college life is adjusting to the social atmosphere. Only a small percent of your week is in a classroom so knowing how to survive outside those 15 hours each week is what helps you survive inside society and a community.

Dear Britt, Hey, senior year is looking pretty good isn't it? You've sure got a lot of great things going on in your life right now; a beautiful family, basketball and soccer games, great grades, and lots of friends! But there are some things I want you to know before you fly through your last year of high school. Please don't throw away that University of Michigan application. You are capable of a lot more than you think, don't doubt yourself now. Start putting some of your money into the bank and don't get lazy in class. Remember to play your hardest in every game this year or you'll have regrets later. But mostly, realize that you've not accomplished this much and worked so hard in high school just to go off to college and party. Britt, you are going to make some big mistakes, but those same mistakes will somehow end up turning you into the person you always hoped you would be. Just keep your mind focused and your heart strong and you'll see, everything is going to be okay.

As a high school senior, I would have liked someone to tell me about additional ways to get college credits. Take more AP classes and many more CLEP tests because my high school counselors have failed me in this regard. It would be good to tentatively schedule classes (semester by semester in advance) for my time spent in college so I don't take useless classes along the way. Spend time researching the college textbooks you will need in advance of the semester and purchase them at greatly reduced prices.

First of all, relax. The transition from high school to college can be very overwhelming, but it really isn't that scary. Go out and explore the campus right away, and to branch out from your regular group and make other friends. Do not only hang out with the kids from your high school, but instead force yourself to be social. College is a time to make knew friends and find yourself. You don't leave with just a degree, you leave with life experience. This life experience cannot be learned by staying in your dorm room, so go out and have some fun. Last but not least, maintain your good grades and make your mom proud.

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to have more faith in myself to do what I need to do for my future. I would tell myself that I did everything I could to be the best I could be to make something of myself. I would have more faith in myself to fill out and work for the scholarships that I want and need to make my way through college to be what I want to be. I would also tell myself that although commuting to school everyday will save me money for school, that it would have been best to live on campus to gain new experiences, friends, relationships, and freedom that will shape me into the person that I will one day be.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself that college isn't all about "the time of your life". College is new and exciting, but if you get caught up in the wrong things, like parties and putting off homework, then you won't be in such a great position. College is completely different than high school and its a lot more self motivated than high school. If you schedule your time wisely, make wise decisions, and work hard then you will do fine. Don't get caught up in the freedom of college or it can severly backfire. Even though you are "on your own" you need to be responsible for yourself. Still make time for yourself to have fun and relax and college can be "the time of your life".