Howard University Top Questions

I would tell myself to apply myself to my full potential. I won't tell myself to go to class, listen to the professors and do my homework. A good education is not something to be wasted. Too many times, people who attend college straight out of high school, take their education for granted, doing only what is needed to get by. I would stress the need for better time management and organizational skills. No one is there to watch your every move, reminding you of due dates, etc. Your educational prosperity is soley in your own hands. I would also tell myself to get involved with clubs/groups on campus. They are great ways of making connections that last a life-time. Even though I was a commuter, it is important to stay just as involved in campus life as those who live on campus. Basically, I would tell myself to grow up, apply myself and get involved. These are the years you will never forget!

Assuming I can go back in time, I would make sure that I am absolutely prepared for college, mentally. Maybe partying wasn't such a bad idea because it is all in the college experience but I would make sure I let 'me' know that a strong study habit is neccessary to succeed. Unlike high school, you cannot make As by simply paying attention in class and not studying. I think this would have prepared my high school self, expecially for the first semester because this was the semester that I messed up in. I would have also told 'me' that attempting to study in the founder's library was not so smart. Every other freshman student crowds in the library to mix and mingle with their friends. I wish I could have told 'me' that the University's ilab was the best place to study. Campus involvement is truly a big deal. If I could have told 'me' to get involved in as many organizations as possible and network, I may not be in such dire need of funding for tuition. Many of my classmates' tuition is paid by someone they met this past year. If only 'me' knew.

If i were a high school senior, knowing what I know now, I would advise myself that the transition to college is not just about the differences in the rigor of coursework, but also the amount of responsibility that acompanies the college experience. You will take numerous classes and spend countless amounts of hours studying concepts such as Newton's second law and how to calculate polynomials. But the most important skill that college equips you with is the ability to take responsibilities for your own actions. You may have several assisgnments due on the same day from different professors, but the important skill is to know how to manage your time wisely and get things done on time. It is the most crucial element to success in the real world. If you need things done, you cannot wait around for others to do them for you.

LaToya, do NOT move out of your parents house & be so concerned about boys. STAY living for FREE so you can go to school full time and not worry about a full time job and trying to juggle work, school and a boyfriend.

Dear Me, Step 1) Take a moment and breathe. I know that applications and scholarship essays are getting to be a bit overwhelming, but it is all going to work out. Make a calendar so you can keep deadlines and upcoming due dates organized. I know you like to "go with the flow" but you are missing a lot of oppurtunities by not being organized. Step 2) Listen to your mom more. She has useful advice and will help revise your college essays. Stop trying to fight her help. She knows what she is talking about. You don' know everything. Just take my word for it. Step 3) Surround yourself with positive and ambitious people. These wil be the people you call on a Tuesday at 2 am stressing about your chemistry test. They will calm you down and help you to keep your sanity. Step 4) Save your money. You don't need another flannel shirt. Seriously. Stop buying flannel. Money is not easy to come by in college. And to be honest there are way cooler things to spend your money on at school then in your small town. Also books are expensive. Be prepared for that.

Hey Raymond, Here is some advice that you should really listen to. It will better your future immensely. You do not want to still be going to school at the age of 24. As soon as you get to Colorado State University, make sure you are well prepared for classes. Do not worry about making friends. You will become close with the people in your dorm hallway. A social life is important but you are in college with the main purpose of graduating to benefit your life afterwards. Take classes that interest you. You will more likely be interested in the lecture or discussions. Do not look for the easy A classes. They might not even be an easy class and you will be stuck learning uninteresting subjects. Keep a calendar or a whiteboard to write down due dates of assignments and exam dates. Do not skip classes no matter how early they are. Falling behind is not something you want to do. You can save yourself a lot of anxiety by going to class. I cannot emphasize how important studying and going to classes are. Studying "sucks" but failing is a lot worse.

If I knew then what I know now, I would tell my high school senior self two things. The first thing I would say to my high school self is to take your time. College will always be there. If I could do it all over again, I would seriously consider taking a year off before I entered college. This year off would give me the opportunity to work to save money for college and give myself time to really think about my future. I would also tell my high school self to take time to engage in community and civil services like City Year. The second thing I would say be open to and accepting of change. Going to college for many people is the real first step into adulthood. Up until this point in my life I was very use to a set routine and family structure. I learned very early on in my college career that everything in life isn't set in stone. There are so many different opportunities and possibilities and change is actually a good thing. Accepting change in one's life is key to transitioning into adulthood.

All of my life, I have known that I was destined to be a college graduate. Neither of my parents were college graduates, so I would be the first generation to explore this facet of education. Without much guidance, I applied to universities across the Nation. However, I was so focused on attending a university that I overlooked a key factor that is associated with furthering one’s education: funding. Considering, if I could tell my highschool self anything, it would be to begin applying for college scholarships much sooner. Each semester, I am uncertain whether or not I will find enough money to further my education, so I opt for student loans and working long hours. If I had only put as much passion into applying for scholarships as I had applying to college, I would not have such an educational and financial dilemma.

Dear Dominique, don't rush this year. I know that at 17, you don't feel like a child anymore but you have no idea what independence is truly like. Take in the moments that don't seem to matter and absorb them. There are stressful days ahead and how you deal with those days will ultimately determine your future. Walk slow, breathe deep and take heed to your parents advice. It may sound like rambling now, but surprisingly enough, they'll be right most of the time. Meet new people, but also realize that these new people won't always have your best interests at heart. Don't let this discourage you, because you're going to meet some great people as well and they're going to take your life by storm. Appreciate these people and hold them close to your heart -- for those friendships are going to last for your entire life. Know who you are, and love every bit of it completely. Be passionate and driven, courageous and strong-willed, you're about to encounter the best years of your life, maybe even the hardest, but they'll be worth it. Prepare yourself.

You’re about to embark on a crazy journey called “college.” Here are some bits of advice I wish I knew from the get-go. •College is not what you see on TV. •You will be in class half as much as you were in high school but you’re learning twice as much material in each semester. •Go to class. It seems like common sense, but sometimes taking a nap or hanging out in the student center will be much more appealing. •You are an engineering student, take your math and science courses seriously! •Take time to get to know new people, your network is almost as important as your coursework. •Apply for scholarships. It doesn’t matter if you have a full ride, still apply. Also, don’t disregard small scholarships. Even if it’s $500, that’s $500 that doesn’t have to come out of your pocket.•Take a deep breath and relax. You only get the “college experience” once. Take time to enjoy the next 4 years. These 4 years will be stressful, fun, exhausting, and full of stories, memories and all nighters. But, most of all, the next 4 years will be worth it.