Brenden
The advice that I would give myself is prepare. There is so much to do regarding financial aid, parking, and other requirements that new students need to become accustomed to in order to have a successful college career. Another piece of advice that I would give my younger self is to follow your heart and not allow other people to make major college decisions for you. The transition into college is often frightening and the stress increases when an individual listens to everyone but himself or herself. Those are the primary pieces of advice that I would give my younger self: be prepared and listen to your heart.
Elizabeth
I would have had my high school self to be more aware of what is going on around me, so I could have fixed the problems with my learning disability earlier. I would have worked on my emotional and psychological problems before starting college so I didn't have to do them now. I would have also encoraged my high school self to get help and get out faster, the people you met in high school don't matter much once you've gotten in college. I would hope that with this verified knowledge I could change the outcome of some of the problems I had in my senior year. Lastly I would tell my high school self to go straight to Computer Science and not even bother with Visual Communication Design, it just caused unnecissary stress and I enjoy Computer Science a ton more.
Ellen
Always be ready and open for new experiences, so you don't miss out on incredible opportunities! Big schools are intimidating, but there are so many people and resources that are there to help you with whatever you need or want, all you have to do is ask. Find someone who knows how to be organized and make them your mentor! College can be somewhat simple, but it's definitely won't be when you're not organized and prepared for your classes, so color-coordinate and label things like it's your job! Just take a deep breath and take the leap into your future!
Renee
If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would tell myself to visit more colleges to ensure that the university I attend is truly right for me. I would say to not underestimate the classload and make sure to study hard and consistently so that the workload doesn't pile up and become overwhelming. I would also make sure to let myself know that asking for help or finding a tutor if needed is not a bad thing and to not be ashamed of it. Welcome help with open arms. I would tell myself to be sure to not break ties with friends that are going to different colleges. I would advise her to live in the dorms for at least a year and try to have the best college experience possible. I would lastly tell myself to have fun, get involved on campus, make memories that will be remembered forever and not to be afraid to make new friends. College is all about having new experiences and growing up away from home, so that is exactly what I would tell myself to do.
Alexandra
Do your best in all your classes. Don't just try to pass, try to do great. Apply yourself and prove to yourself that you are smart and able. Don't let your social life come before your schoolwork. If you have better grades in high school, it will be easier to do well in college and to get scholarships for college.
Sabrina
If I could go back and talk to my high school self I would first say get back to class! See I didn't finish high school. To make matters worse I waited 11 years to get my GED. I now know home much this mistake has affected me. I am almost 30 years old and my career hasn't even started yet. I am now in a position that has led me to the choice of an Accounting Degree. Who knows if that would have came along though. I could still be doing the same old thing and just get further away from an education. It is so very important. I could not stress that enough. I look forward to starting college this Fall. I am sure it will be tough at first. I will not give up this time. I am determined to get my degree and have a great career. I will also be an advocate to people who want to quit. I know first hand with out an education you will not get very far.
Kai
If I were able to go back in time and give myself advice about college, I would have given myself a wake up call. First, I would tell myself, “Kai, you need to improve your study habits and review what you have learned in class everyday. Once you are done reviewing, read ahead to prepare for tomorrow’s lecture. Do so and you will be able to comprehend the lecture better.” Another tip I would have given myself is, “Socializing in college is different than high school because there’s more students that attend the same school. So, don't get discouraged when you don’t know many people. It’s normal to have a couple friends and keep to yourself.”The last pointer I would give myself is, “Don't stress, Kai. Just make sure to relax and have confidence when taking an exam. Your mind can affect your performance, so stay focused.”If I had the chance to advise myself with these guidelines, I believe that I could have been more prepared on what to expect in College. But, now that I’m aware, I will absolutely apply my advice to the rest of my years in college.
Brenda
I would tell myself to make a decision and stick to it. To be methodical and make tasks for myself to accomplish as soon as possible. That time matters, especially at a young age, because it's what sets up my future. To write down all sorts of ideas for plans, no matter how dumb it may seem at the time. Good ideas can come from those "bad ideas." That it's not scary to take big, important steps in securing your future. Finally, what's important is your life, so take good care in nuturing it.
Nakia
If I could give advice to myself as a high school senior, I would explain the importance of receiving an education at the college level. Not In the manner in which any adult had told me, but in a manner that would really hit home. I would express to my high school self that the goals I have are not impossible but it will not come easy, hard work is key. I should not take the opportunities given for granted as I had done through my high school career. I will be responsible for me and no one else.
I would explain how difficult life will become, but I would let myself know that I am more than capable of completing college and being successful. I would tell myself not to let my current situation or my past be an excuse as to why I can’t or shouldn’t work hard. Excuses are not an option, and I should not have used them or let others allow me to. I will have two children sooner than expected and they will need me. In order for them to survive, I need to do better. People who know better do better!
Katherine
Explore all opportunities available to you. Remain active in campus organizations and use all resources available to gain experiences that you would not otherwise have. College is a privilege that is not afforded to everyone. Do not take it lightly. Do not take it for granted.
Study hard; work hard, but not so hard that you never have time for yourself. This is the only time in your life that you will be able to be in this type of environment with the freedoms that are afforded to college students. Enjoy your time. Engage in your learning. Do not be afraid to try new things or meet new people.
College will be the best four years of your life, but do not make decisions that will negatively impact you forever.
Remember that you are here to learn academically, but you are also here to grow personally. These years will help to shape you into the person you will become and will determine the opportunities available to you when you graduate. Shape your decisions so that they provide you with potential access to the future that you want for yourself.
Your future is in your hands - make it great!
Alexis
Dear Alexis,
As you pack everything you own up to start your new college adventure, I'd like to remind you of a few things to help you along the way.
1. It is very easy to go out every night in college...don't do it. A huge part of life is showing up and college is no different.
2. Take advantage of the "extras" that your school provides. See the school theatre productions, attend the speakers your college invites, see the art exhibits, join a club that interests you.
3. Play a sport if at all possible. Even an intramural sport provides structure and physical actitvity. You don't need to be a varsity athlete to reap the benefits of playing a team sport.
4. Get to know your advisor right away and see them once every couple weeks in the first semester. They are there to help you.
5. Buddy up to an older student. The "insider info" that a established student can give you is priceless.
6. Treat school like a regular 8 hour a day job. Class time is just part of the job.
Have fun and study hard...it goes by so quickly!
Greg
If I could go back to the early 70's I would encourage myself to go to college. I would tell myself to take the offers people have offered me and pursue that degree in computer science or be that engineer. I would convince myself that going to work right out of high school is not the right move right now. I would tell myself that it is alot easier going to school when you are young than it is when you are older. I would tell myself that getting that degree will be the best thing to happen to you in your life.
Robert
I would tell myself to do what I want to do, and not what everyone else wants me to do. Choose the major and career path that suits you best and try hard in school because it really does make a difference when trying to get into colleges and getting scholarships and grants. I would also tell myself to be more financially smart and not blow my money on the weekends or make dumb choices with funds. I would say, take a deep breath and relax, the best years of your life are ahead of you so don't stress yourself out right now and enjoy yourself - you're graduating high school!
Capri
If I had the opportunity to talk to myself as a high school senior with the knowledge that I have now, I would encourage myself first and foremost to TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR POTENTIAL OPPORTUNITIES. There were several programs that I had the opportunity to be associated with but did not take the options as seriously as I should have. Also, I'd let myself know that the world does not stop there. I would let myself know that there is so much more to life and who I am going to become than what I saw back then. I would also advise myself to push a little harder in school and take the extra advanced placement classes because it would be worth it in the long run. Lastly, I would try to encourage myself to not be afraid to grow. I've learned in my one year of college that naturally, you will out grow some people and I have also learned that its ok. Not everyone is in your life for the long haul and those who are not, are meant to teach you something about yourself, so don't be afraid and take the lesson.
Samantha
If I could go back in time as a senior in college, I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships because college is expensive and if you are eligible for a scholarship, to take the time to fill it out because every ounce of money you get free helps.
Nicolette
After gaining a familiarity with the transition of going to college and the life that comes with it, there’s some advice i could give to myself. The first portion of advice is the most straightforward advice, that is to never give up. It can be simple to just get so overwhelmed by the new environment of college and the expectations placed on you that quitting seems like an easy option. Though now i know from my past experiences that giving up can make everything worse. Due to those unforeseeable consequences i have newfound realization of the importance of trying my best and a brand new belief that i can handle more than what i thought i could. Another piece of advice thats helpful for my past self to hear is to not let every moment pass by. All the change that happens when going out into the world, i forgot how to enjoy the little things that happened when in college. Always focused on just school work and yes thats the point for going to college but when i ignored the happy moments i missed out on occasions that could have added to the positive experience in college.
Michelle
The biggest advice I would tell myself would be to get rid of my bad habit of procrasination. I was able to get away with it in highschool, but in college I would have no chance. Time management is key. I would tell myself to ready for long restless nights during finals week! Finals week is no joke, but I prepare myself for it. Be prepared to walk. Campus is big, and sometimes you may not have time to wait for the bus to come, so invest in some comfortable walking shoes. When there are opportunities for extra credit assignments take them. Even if you are doing well in the class do the extra credit assignment as a back up because you never know if you will have a bad day on the day of an big exam. Be open minded to new ideas. Nothing is wrong with change so get accustomed to it. Expand your learning to new verizons and take control of your future. Lastly, I would tell myself to break out of my shell and not be afraid to meet new people and make new friends, because college friendships could last a lifetime!
Patrick
One of the first things that I would tell myself with the experiences that I have now is to be more prepared. College classes are a lot more different than those in high school. Teachers help prepare you for the required material in your class, and are there, more or less, to hold your hand and help you through any trouble that you may have. In college, however, you are expected to have the neccessary skills in order teach yourself,. The professors at college are more like guides to help you. Another important piece of advice that I would tell myself is to be more involved with the various activities that were available through the school. These activities are invaluable when it comes to not only making you a better student/person, but also will help you land a much desired career. The last thing that I would tell myself is to think more carefully about what college I would want to go to, and put more of an effort in deciding if this college is the best college for the career path I would want to take.
kyle
stay in school at all cost , get in usnavy , stay out of trouble .
JaDeen
I would have told myself to take more electives and classes in high scool to help me in the future with my college education. I would have told myself to apply for scholarships so that I could have afforted to go to college sooner.