Katie
If I could go back in time to speak to the highschool me I dont know if I would have a lot to say. I would make sure to tell myself that I shouldnt worry about making friends, and that the right ones will come to me. I would say be open to new experiences but don't make dumb decisions. I'd give myself the tips about getting around off campus and remind myself that the library is open 24 hours a day and to use it before I was a Junior!!! I would just assure myself that everything would be ok, I wouldnt still be me, and if i ever needed help to go to the resources on campus right away! The number one thing would be that I needed to know everone else is going through the same thing, so just keep your mind focused , and learn to DESTRESS!
Maxine
As an middle aged college student, I would tell myself to stay in school. It is a lot easier to learn when you have less responsibilities. I find that juggling a family, career and scholol take a lot of adjusting to make sure nothing is missed. Had I stayed in school when I was younger I would be in a different position in life and not struggling to make ends meet. As I grow I stree to my children the importance of a good education. Never take for granted that it will always be available and not put off tomorrow what can be done today.
isabella
If I was able to go back to high school I would, work much harder. I really did not take advantage of how easy the work was. I also would have requested better guidance from my counselors because I did not get beneficial help at my high school to better my future. Many of the rules and regulations that my high school possessed also did not make sense or really equally apply to each student. I would have tried to fight against their rules more. However, I do not regret anything I did throughout high school. I was very involved in the extracurricular activities that they offered and would not take those experiences back. I would just change the type of classes that I took. I took many classes that my guidance recommended to me because they believed it would benefit me however, they only hurt my GPA and did not help to bring it up.
Daniel
Do not go to University of Hartford.
Johanel
I'd tell myself to take afternoon or night classes, so I don't have to worry about waking up early or ever being late to a class. Also to utilize Ratemyproffessor.com when it comes to choosing classes. Finally just stay focused and avoid all distractions college life has to offer.
Courtney
BE PERPARED!! I came into college not knowing to much. I wish i knew more then i knew. Research.... really look into the major you want. And make sure you know what you really want to do. Montclair is a big teaching school.. I would make sure I knew exactly what i wanted to teach.. That pushed me back because i stressed myself out too much in my original major that now I am going to be behind. make sure you really look into what you want to do for the rest of your life. Also research financial aid, make sure you know exactly what you are signing and know that in the end it may cost you and you want to make sure you are getting the right education for every dollar you spend. TIME MANAGEMENT!!! make sure you know that you are going to have to learn how to juggle your social life, your home life and all your school work. That was a big stress factor my first year I wish I was better at it even now, I am still not good with time management! GOOD LUCK its all worth it in the end!!
Francine
The advise I would give myself is, to do more research on the schools of interest. If I had to do it all over again and I have that chance now in a way, I would read up on the schools, ask questions, go visit the schools, find out what campus life is like and look for scholarships and other funding for school, even when pepole tell you that you are not smart enough to get a scholarship. I would tell myself not to listen to other people, even family and follow your heart, instincs and passion for what you want to do in life.
isabella
I would have worked harder towards getting a better GPA. I did not fully understand or take advantage of how simple and easy high school work was. I did do well however, I know that I could have done much better. Besides that I have no regrets.
Jaclyn
Work hard and make sure that you get the accommodations you need. In large classes take advantage of your alert form acommodations. Don't take tests w/a large class. You can take them separately.
Johanel
Make sure you manage you're time well. Avoid morning classes and use Ratemyproffessor.com when picking classes.
Diana
You are correct in your assumption that you will receive a heavier load of homework, but fright not. You have days to complete the homework. Finish the homework piece by piece every day so you do not feel overwhelmed. You are wrong if you think you will endure living with a roommate. You sleep early and you need silence?you will not find a roommate that matches your needs. Find off-campus housing that is provided across the street and keep your all-you-can-eat meal plan. For having a single room and kitchen, it is cheaper than dorming. Interact with your professors. Participate in discussions, answer questions and sum up courage to ask questions--this way, the professor knows your name and face and marks you as a serious student. In the cafeteria, take your food and plop down in a table where someone is already sitting. Have a conversation and you will make a friend. The same goes for class. Sit where you wish and offer you name and hand to the one sitting next to you. Through this one friend, you meet tens of other people. Through this one friend, you gain a sense of community.
Christian
Finding the right college is like finding the right pair of shoes. You want them to represent who you are, what you like, and above all you want them to be comfortable. It is imperative to do the most research possible on any school you are planning on attending. Many students find that certain school simply do not suit them because they lack some of the students needs.
Based on majors offered, and reputations in certain fields, some schools may be better suited for some students. Because of this, it is important for the student to make sure that the college choice offers a wide variety of majors and courses because not all students are completely sure of what they would like to study. So picking a school offering degrees in many fields is important.
If looking to have the most fun at school, then the student must be willing to put in the effort. Any school can be fun, as long as the student is willing to socialize and become a part of the campus community. Making the most out of the college experience depends on how much effort the student is willing to put in.
Medji
Parents and students that are in the process of finding the right college should definitely visit the college. It is important that they do so that there are not any suprises in the end. In addition, they should visit it more than once. I think that visiting a college at least 3 times is a good way to see the college a different perspective. ex: visit when school is and isnt in session and throughout the year. It will give you an idea as to how the campus is when it snows, or when it rains, how does that affect campus activities. These can be important issues that can help narrow down your college choices. Always try the food that is very important and spend a weekend if possible on campus. Nevertheless, what I believe is the MOST important of all of these, is that both parents and student check out the surrounding neighborhood of the school. Do you like a secluded campus, or the kind of campus where businesses are conveniently close. I believe that this can really impact the overall experience of a college student.
Sam
You need to follow your heart and where it tells you to go. No one's words of wisdom will be enough to sway and/or persuade your own will. These prospective students need to go out there and see for themselves; experience the college way of life and then you'll realize what a struggle it is, what a great time it is, and what a rollercoaster ride it is sometimes. It's almost as if you're affected by every single event that occurs day after day, but that may also be defined as life, would it not? So in the end, it is up to the students to see where they're pulled and where their minds may make the most out of themselves. In a world like today's, everyone needs an education, but au contraire to what many say and think, an education is what you make of it. Not another person in the world can tell you otherwise; it's up to you.
Jacque
The best way to make the most out of your college is experience is to search for a college that is good for your needs. For example, the cost of living on or off campus, how much aid will you be receiving? The location of the college will I be able to get a job on or off campus to make ends meet. How far is it from home and family? Does the college have programs and internships geared towards me being successful in my major? These are some questions to take into consideration. After you have made your decision for the college of your choice the best thing is to go to that college with an open mind to new experiences religions, races and ethnic backgrounds Embrace all of the changes and new experiences and you will be fine. Make sure to keep your focus it's alright to get involed socially but if it affects your academic progress then it's a problem. Social activities will be come and go all of the time but your academics is the blueprint for your future. College is costly so don't waste time make the best out of it
Jaymi
I would advice parents and/or students to visit their prospective campuses and learn as much as they can about the school in question. Find out what the climate is like year-round, what the rooms are like, the teachers, the classes, the population, the food, and more; it's a very important and marvelous experience, and to make the best choice you need to have all the information you can get. Knowing all of this will also help you make the most of your college experience. The more you strive to learn about your college, the more people you'll meet, students and faculty alike, and it is a plus to become a recognizeable, friendly face. Give your peers and teachers your absolute best; after going for the best school for you, it is only fair to offer the same back to the campus. Be proud of where you learn, and make your school proud to have you.
Mike
When picking your school i believe you got to look at your self and ask how far away do i want to be from home. Its tough for the first month getting use to any new place and its always nice to go home. Then you ask yourself what you want out of school? Do you want a big school or a little? Do you want a lot of down time or be busy with things to do? Where you go there be people you can find you like. The question is weather the place is the right feel for you. You know as a junior in high school your looking for but u may not be at the right school for you first pick so like many people transfer, but there is always a school out here that i right for everyone.
Granville
I would say while finding the right college to become a "holistic" researcher. Don't ignore details and overlook figures because they may come back to haunt you later. Explore as much choices as you have. Don't make rash decisions and rush in head first. It may be overstated but exploring now will benefit in the end. Also at college, don't allow the "spirit" of college (procrastination and lack of care) to take over. Studying and making use of the free time isn't difficult, it just requires the right balance of time and effort.
Molly
I would say to go visit each and every school you are considering going to. Once visiting get a feel for the school and its people and community. The community will make a big difference, as will the surrounding opportunities. I would factor in the major you want but not make it the priority. It is very important to enjoy the school more and meet a lot of people. I would suggest being involved in many clubs and taking advantage of every opportunity you can, especially the first year of college. Meeting people will be very beneficial for later in life and having connections is never a bad thing. Its important to take advantage of your opportunities living close to so many people your age. At the end of the day, it is still important to find a balance between fun and school to take care of your future schooling or job. I also suggest studying abroad for at least a semester at some point. It goes fast, so live it up!
Andrea
Make sure you look into the major that you would like to go for and the accomodations the school has to offer as well as the tuition and payment throughout the years after calculated