Kent State University at Kent Top Questions

I would have told myself to have a job. The reason in applying for any scholarship is due to the financial need so by having a job during my high school career, I would of saved enough money for the books I need in college, the expenses needed for my class materials and dorm room, (i.e. covers, pillows, food, hygiene supplies and especially school supplies!) Even if you are planning to attend an Out-of-State-School, expenses becomes increasingly expensive. Not to scare future incoming college freshmen, but you have to remember plane ticket expenses, transportation expenses and wardrobe for changing environments. Personally speaking, being born in Florida I never seen snow then moving to Ohio where it snows for months is a great transition. Advice I would have given myself: Apply for an abundant amount of scholarships to avoid loans; Do very well in high school, because what you do your freshman year sticks to you when you get to your senior year; Get involved in extracurricular activities- take on leadership roles, because majority of the time, in future applications that is mainly what they ask; Volunteer for different organizations; and Build lasting bonds with teachers

Dear High School Senior, Considerer carefully your options for college. Don't be overwhelmed narrow the search with easy questions. Ask yourself, what can I afford? Which schools offer my desired major? How close do I want to be to home? What kind of campus do I want? If possible tour different campuses to help you get an idea of what you are looking for in a college. Remember you are paying to go to college so do what's right for you and make sure you like what you are getting for your money! Don't worry, you'll make friends and succeed anywhere as long as you go for it! that's right be outgoing, know what you want and find a way to get it. Afterall, this is your life and college isn't just a preparation for you life but a major part of it. Live it up - this can be the time of your life if you take advantage of all the opportunities! Goodluck!

The transition to college wasn't really what got me...but I changed majors several times and dropped out for a number of years. Now as a wife and mother I've gone back to school 28 years after I graduated high school - and for the very first major I chose as a high school senior. I stressed out a lot about my options, and I would tell myself not to worry - even though I didn't graduate college in 1987 I still have a wonderful life, 2 beautiful children, and a supportive husband. Things usually work out in the end.

I would have told myself to stay focused, no matter what you are going through. I know that some children have it hard at home and they may not receive the support that is most important, but I would explain that it is extremely important to do your best while in High School because it definitely prepares you for college and years beyond. I would also say that not only taking High School courses seriously but to network with all of your teachers, guidance counselors and sports coaches. Every student should have a mentor and this is the best way of obtaining a mentor, someone who is at the school and who can be there for you when you need it the most. Don't party, stay in your books. Don't cheat on homework, test, quizzes, nothing. It is only hindering you from succeeding in the future. Always ask for help and never feel ashamed when you receive a bad grade. If there are tutors available or study groups, always take advantage of the help that you can receive. Stay confident and understand that school isn't meant to be easy, life is a learning process and school helps.

I would tell myself to apply to more scholarships and to be more vigilant about taking classes.

If I could go back and give advice to my high school self I would tell her to open up and not be shy. College is fun and a place where you not only learn about educational things such as math, sciences, etc. , but you also learn about yourself and others. College teaches you that it is perfectly ok to be different, and that there is absolutely no reason to alter yourself to try to blend in with others. During college be friendly, talk to people, attend activities, volunteer, join different organizations, and do not be afraid to ask questions. Professors are not out to fail you, they are there to help you and they want to see you progress and do well. The library is not a place for nerds! The library is a great place to study, network, attend events, and just relax. Have fun, achieve your goals, and never second guess yourself.

I would tell myself to enjoy my senior year because college is where the work begins, but not to fear college because it's a wonderful time full of new experiences. I would tell myself to fill out scholarships now before it's too late. I would also advise myself to take college classes so I can get them out of the way so I dont have to do them next year. I would tell myself to start getting used to doing things on my own because there is nobody here to hold your hand you are fully responsible for yourself. I would advise myself to just better prepare for college. Such as being more organized, getting to know more resources, getting things done on time if not early. Senior year is a laid back year full of little work and just plain excitment to graduate where Freshman year in college is a time to buckle down and get multiple things done and done right. The transition is difficult but the more prepared you are, the more easier it will become.

I would tell myself to be prepared to have an open mind. Students who attend college need to be able to submurse themselves in a diverse culture that may be very different than the one they grew up in. I would tell myself to be prepared to make friends and be prepared to lose friends. People change and you will too, but in a good way, more than likely. I would also tell myself to spend as much time as I can with my parents and family because being away helps you realize how much they truly mean to you. Be open to new ideas, be open to change, and be open to discovering a whole new you.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice when I was a high school senior I would tell myself to not second guess myself and to follow my dreams. I would like to tell myself that education is the foundation for my life and to stay stern on my choice of career path.

"Jordan, be fearless." That is what I would tell myself if I could speak to that high school senior that was me, six months ago. I know now that I really have to take control of what I want in order to succeed and reach my goals. Nobody is going to live my life but me. I was so afraid to commit to my future that I lived in the day-to-day. And to be frank, the last half of my Senior year, I faltered. I lost my drive; my "mojo." I just wanted to be out of high school. College seemed surreal and distant. I would say to myself as a high school senior: "This is REAL. How are you getting there?" This also encompasses taking my Senior grades more seriously -- I had no idea how much they really meant and how one botched class could make my GPA plummet. If I could do it all again, I would seize the day. I'd take control of my destiny and shout from the mountaintops: "I am finishing my Senior year in a blaze of glory and HERE is what I plan to do with my life!"

If I had to oppurtunity to go back in time whenever I was a high school senior I would say to take high school more seriously. I would tell myself that I needed to be more driven and successful in the classroom. I would say make sure that I knew procrastinating and slacking off could not be an option. Also, I would tell myself that even though you think you may never use this information you learn again you will because high school prepares you for what is to come in you future and it should not be taken for granted. If I had the chance to give myself advice I would have told myself to make sure I have self- discipline and set goals that I could exceed too.

To just study as hard as you possibly can and have an idea of what you wanna do with your college carreer becausse I have changed my major which set me back a year because I did not know what ieanted to do with my life. Studying would be the biggest thing I would tell myself because college is a lot harder and different then high school. Your more on your own and your in charge of yourself especally because your parents are not around to hound you to do your homework. You just have to be on top of everythinh and get everything done on time.

As a high school senior, I was not focused. I still received good grades, but my heart was not in it. I would tell myself not to concentrate on the negative and focus more on the positive. I would tell myself to continue to be the person that I know I am instead of letting things change my perception. I would give myself a kick in the butt for not preparing myself better financially because I know that I have nobody to help me. I would value my friendships more and spend more time with loved ones because college takes time and effort. I would applaud myself also because all my heavy coursework in high school prepared me for college. Good job, India.

I know I have made the right desicions in my life. My goals are set and I am determined to complete and achieve my dreams just as I planed during my senior year of high school. I told myself I wanted to go to the community college I was courrently enrolled under as a duel-enrolled student and finish my AA Degree. Then I would later move to Orlando for a pastry and baking degree at Le Cordon Bleu. If I went back in time to meet my senior self, I suppose I would give my self a "pep" talk. I would encourage myself to continue to follow my dream, and that my future self is the given proof that I will achieve what it is I set myself up to do. "Past Kassie, continue what you are doing, and I promise, you will achieve everything you ever wanted." --Present Kassie

I would tell myself to take high school completely serious. When I was in high school, I didn't try hard at all. I still got good grades, but if I had applied myself, then I could have gotten better scholarships and been a lot more prepared for college classes. College is a lot more demanding than high school and requires a tremendous amount of effort. I would also tell myself to let go of any fears and get involved in anything that interested me, even slightly. It is really important to be able to talk to people and get involved in things. College groups are about networking and pushing yourself towards your ultimate goal. One final thing that would be important to tell myself as a high school senior is to not be afraid. I was terrified of going two and a half hours away from home. It really is a great responsibility and priviledge to go away to school. In many ways, I am completely alone, and it is scary. Of course I still have a security net in my dad, but for the most part I'm alone. Even more reason to put myself out there.

I would most definitely tell myself not to stress as much as I used to. College is way better than high school. You are not forced to do anything; you are treated as an adult, so every choice is yours. I would have also told myself to apply for financial aid and sign up for classes during the summer of the year I graduated. Not only does this save you a lot of time, but it also will help you get your books and supplies right on time. Furthermore, I would advise myself to go speak with a counselor, as well as a financial aid technician. These people have helped me in ways I could never have imagined.

Before attending college my freshman year I would have prepared myself for a big culture shock even though I only moved an hour and a half away from my hometown. Many different types of groups that you are able to join will help you make more friends and get to know a vast amount of students who are new just like you, checking the universities website and looking at university run groups are helpful. Also be nice to your first roommate, become friends and share experiences together. If you do not have a good relationship you may be missing out on some great dorm room memories or late night gab fests! You will always remember your first year so never be intimidated to put yourself out there and be heard. It is your school now so make it your own. Make sure you study hard and keep up with all the schoolwork you will be handed but when you get the chance to just relax and have fun. You can only make your freshman year what you want it to be, if it is not fun at first you will have three more years to deal with, good luck!

The advice that I would give myself would be make sure to be organize, chose a major that you want to do, and remember to be yourself. When I first got to college, I was so unorganized. I would forget to do homework, or submit projects online to my professors and it took about a semester for me to figure out to buy a whiteboard and write everything out that was due that week. When it came to chosing my major, my family was the one who wanted me to be something that I didn't want to be. I ended up going to school for Nursing and not liking it at all; I wanted to be an Athletic Trainer, but everyone told me that I wouldn't have the life that I deserved. I wasted my first two years on Nursing and I eventually changed my major to Athletic Training; my parents weren't happy at first but they learned to except my choice. When I came to college, I wanted to be someone completely different, the only problem was no one liked the new me. Evetually, I started being myself, and everyone loved me.

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to enjoy the ride. As a high school student, I was so focused on maintaining my GPA that I hardly had time to step back and enjoy other aspects of my life. With a year of college under my belt, I have gained a better understanding for what is truly important. Undoubtedly, a solid GPA is essential for a pre-med student, but life does not revolve around my grade in organic chemistry. College is not just about intensive studying; it's about making new friends, trying new things, and ultimately, figuring out who you are. I certainly do not have everything figured out, but at this point I have realized that I aspire to be a person of balance. There is a time for academics, and a time for relaxing. There is a time for friends, and a time for family. Making time for all of these things is certainly a never-ending challenge, but putting forth the effort is what matters most. So, high school senior Scott, remember to breathe, and know that satisfaction can be found through many aspects of your life.

First, don't be afraid to try new things; you might just find you have a passion for something you never knew about. Don't try to fit in; just be yourself. Don't be shy. Stand up for yourself- your beliefs, your education and anything else that you care about. Make lists for everything, otherwise you'll always forget something. An agenda can become your best friend. Use technology to help your education and don't let it become a distraction. Get to know your professors. They can give great advice and you need their recommendations. Everyone else is new too. Try living with roommate; it can be a really interesting journey. It's okay to have fun, but don't do anything illegal because it just isn't worth ruining your life or someone else's. Lastly, your college experience is what you make of it; in other words, take advantage of all the opportunities your college can offer.