Morgan
Stop being so nervous about the future and just do it. You're strong and capable and CAN do anything you set your mind to as long as you actually do it rather than fretting and worrying about yourself and your abilities. Nothing is impossible.
Julianna
If I could go back and tell my high school self about what college would be like, I would tell myself to be prepared to work hard. High school was simple, with easy writing assignments and small amounts of homework. In college, there is no room for slacking. If you do not do the work you should be, there is a very high chance that you will not do so great your first semester. Other than academic, being away from home is sometimes difficult. There are some nights where you will just want to lay in yur own comfortable bed. Living with your best friend is probably the best decision you can make beause it will definatly make your transition to being without your family a lot easier. Over all, my advice would be to keep your head up ad work hard for what you want because in the end it will be worth it.
audrey
In my high school career, I didn't have many friends. I was extremely nervous that I wouldn't have many friends in college as well. However, this was not the case. All students in college are in the same position, trying to make new friends and find a group that they fit in with. Everyone is much more accepting and less judgemental. The transition into college has been one of the best experiences of my life, and has opened my eyes to so many new things. If I could go back and give my highschool self advice, I would tell myself to not be so hard on myself and stop trying to pin-point why people didnt like me. I would tell myself how different college is, and how accepting the other students are.
Gabrielle
If I could go back in time and talk to myself as high school senior, I would give myself plenty of advice. I would tell myself that senior year would be your favorite year. One of your best classes, Media and Technology, will motivate you to choose that as a major, Electronic Media, in college. I would also say it was the worst because your dad died in the middle of your senior year due to cancer. He wouldn’t be here physically to see you go to prom, graduate nor to college. It will be a hard transition, but you’ll remain strong for your mom and yourself. You will become one of twenty to achieve high honors in a graduate class of 150. You will make your family proud, most importantly your mom. College shall be amazing. There are going to be times you stay up late at night stressed because of work and finals, but you’re going to be awarded with a 3.2 GPA in your first semester. There are going to be some financial issues, and you’re doing your best trying to get aid and scholarships. You will only hope for the best.
Daisy
First of all, don't worry about classes; if you put forth the effort you will accomplish as much as you wish. Everyone makes college classes out to be so hard and makes good grades out to be unobtainable unless you lock yourself in your room every day and do nothing but work: thats not true. Paying attention and really trying is all it takes. And it isn't that difficult to put forth your best effort in school, while still maintaing a social life. Just be aware of your responsibilities and make sure to prioritize and stay organized. Also, don't worry about meeting friends, you'll find those who you click with, either in your dorm building or in classes, and before you know it you'll have a friend group who you feel like you've known for years. Be yourself, be confident and aim high. Remember that college is what you make of it, so take every opportunity and get involved as much as you can. If you're positive and open minded college will be a piece of cake; after about a week the transition will be over and you'll feel right at home.
Precious-Anastasia
Hello high school senior, Precious! I have a few tips for college I would like to share with you. You should try to avoid stress at all costs... and speaking of costs, tuition will be the biggest cause of stress. Apply for plenty of scholarships, or your pockets will be in the negative before you even begin making money. Getting a job during the school year will not be as simple as you think, I couldn’t imagine working on top of all of my work. When it comes to transitioning from home to a dorm, just don’t bring all of your shoes! There is no room, Precious, no matter how many shoe storage things you buy. Making friends will probably be the most difficult thing for you, you’ve never really had to do that before. Stay open-minded and don’t be afraid to try new things. Remember, every new friend is a new connection you may need later in life! Don’t get too wrapped up in your new life, you have years to be a wildflower. Focus on your school work, at the end of the day that is why you are attending college.
Kate
Beware and be aware of distractions. College life and coming-of-age experiences include an array of transient interactions, many of which translate into life and goal altering distractions. Do not over extend your time and energy by focusing on superficial relationships. College is a great opportunity to cultivate new friendships, romances, and personal and professional relationships. Networking is aboslutely crucials for long-term success, but be mindful of where you invest yourself. Focus on positive interactions and relationships that will enrich your experiences and goals. Be mindful of partyers, under-achievers, and people not committed to bettering themselves. College is also an opportunity to explore your potential, to challenge yourself, and grow as person. Get involved with like-minded individuals and be open to these new experiences and possibilities. Don't sell yourself short by settling for the bare minimum. Life is what you make it, so remain true to yourself and you will not fail. Fear will only stunt your development, so step outside of your past and walk towards your future. Stay focused, stay positive, and work for your goals in order to attain your dreams.
Kimberly
Knowing what I know now about the college life and the major transition, I would first go back and give myself advice regarding the opportunity cost that comes along with choosing to attend college. The United States college debt now exceeds credi card debt, which proves how costly college can be. I would assure myself that the opportunity cost of attending college would be beneficial in the long run. Becoming increasingly educated and being given the oportunity to fulfil a life goal and long term dream is one of the greatest gifts in life. Additionally, I woudl give myself advice about the importance of time management. Taking on the role of a full time student and having a full time job, time management is crucial when dealing with large work loads. Good grades are absolutley possible to achieve, as long as you have a time management plan at hand and a postive attitude.
Candace
If I could go back to when I began at my local community college I would say this, "Candace, you have an amazing opportunity by beginning your academic career here at RACC. The amount of tuition costs are $2100.00 and you are able to take up to 18 college credits a semester. Since you are also eligible to receive the full amount of FAFSA offered for this year your books are also covered, leaving you with no financial worries. However, there are opportunities that allow you to borrow money by applying for student loans provided by the Government. These loans come with a limit of $57,000.00 until the completion of your Bachelor degree. Also, keep in mind you are eligible for FAFSA grants for only your first six semesters. Once you use both these funding’s to their max you MUST find other ways to cover the cost of your education. If you take longer to complete your undergrad degree than the average traditional student (which I have) you will have a huge financial barrier to face (as I do). So, borrow only what you need, so you can avoid having no funds for your senior year.”
Keri
My adivce would be look for scholarships. Outside scholarships are amazing and really can change the amount of out-pocket expenses. Also, try not to assume that grants will be there when you graduate from high school. Be careful of loans because debt out of college is extremely hard to pay off and will have for the rest of your life.
Theresa
If I could go back in time and give advice to myself for preparing for college, I would have a lot to say from what I know now. I would tell myself to study more and work harder at your grades. I would also tell myself that looking for colleges can be fun and to not procrastinate as long as you possibly can. I am a very social person so I wouldn't have to "warn" them about the transition but I would say start talking to people about where they are looking to go to school because maybe they know of someone or themselves are going there also.
Esperanza
Becoming an undergraduate college student is not as easy as we all may assume as a high school senoir because, youhave to put in a lot of hard work and have to be focused on everything you do in class. One step could be to visit your school ask a professor if you can sit in class so you can get an idea of what it takes and how its going to be. Step two make sure you look for the right class's you don't want to take class's you don't need. Step 3 dont be afriad to ask for help from anyone that's why they are there. College is a fun experience but it also involves hard work so just be prepared and don't over stress.
Kristan
If I could go back in time, I would have stayed home instead of going off to college. I didn't know what I wanted to do and I wasted time and money. I didn't know I had to focus in college because high school was such a breeze. I would have told myself I need to be dedicated, because now that I am a single mom of a two year old, things are much harder now. My life could have played out much differently if I had just been dedicated and I regret that very much.
Erin
I would tell my self to focus more in my classes. To work harder in my classes and to take more college classes over the summers. To go to all of my classes and to take them seriously. I would also tell myself to become more outgoing and to step out of my comfort zone. Not to go to the community college and to go straight to a 4 year college instead.
Davis
I would give myself the advice to get more help working on resumes. I think the biggest thing I would advise myself to do would to get assistance and or get out and do as much as possible to get college scholarships. They are not as easy to get as I had anticipated, and anything you can recieve makes a world of difference. Receiving scholarships make everything seem to work out and you don't need to worry about so much. I think that would be the best advice I could give my high school self.
Holly
If I could go back in time to my high school senior year, I would tell myself three things. One, learn to self-study. As of now I am a math and science tutor for my college and the major issue with students is that they have not learned to self-study in high school. I have found that in college you cannot learn the material without partially teaching yourself. Second, I would have told myself that I should not only volunteer in the field of work I am pursuing, but also job-shadow the people in that field. I have found that by volunteering or job-shadowing, it makes my resume better by giving me experience and hands-on knowledge of the degree I am pursuing (Chemical Engineering). Third and finally, I would advise myself to choose friends and aquaintances carefully becuase whom I hang out with or study with could potientially define who I am or who I become. Finding friends who keep me accountable for doing home work is great. If I knew in my senior year about self-study, volunteering, job shadowing, and picking the right friends, my life would be drastically different. Thanks so much!
Shannon
Knowing what I know about college life now, I would love to be able to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, just to tell myself to not stress, relax, and enjoy the ride. As a high school senior, I truly didn't know what was in store for me over these past two years. Back then, I had no idea that I would transfer twice after picking my original university to attend. Picking a college is such an exciting time, but as a student paying my own way through school, it soon became stressful when determining loans and payments, and trying to compact my education into the typical "four-year experience". Life eventually forced me to not rush school, which is the best thing that could have happened to me. I would love to be able to go back to my high school senior self and say to just take every hurdle as it comes. In the big picture, those speed bumps you encounter can only affect your college life if you dwell on them.
Rachel
I would not give myself advice; I would just give myself some motivation and optimism. Senior year was rough because of how busy I was, how hard I worked, and how many friend I lost. I would just inform myself that the hard work will pay off and the friends I make in college will be more special than the friends I had in high school.
Gladys
Although this seemed to be an unaccomplishable year with all my wrongs and mistakes , they have been the greatest use for me to improve for years to come and contributed to change my frame of mind from when I had entered college. Yet if I could give myself advice back in high school when I was a senior I would tell myself to stay focused, do not be afraid or embarrassed to get help on the things you do not understand because teachers do care if you understand the material, always remember the hard work you put in to getting where you are and continue to give school your all, and most importantly never stop to compare yourself to your peers. Your peers may have had what seems to you to be better experiences and opportunities but what you have gone through is just as important and the difference from what they went through will put you at an advantage for lots of things that will be thrown your direction.