Chelsea
Always put your best effort into everything that you do. Be aware of how you manage your time and be prepared to put in many hours into studying. You can't be completely dependent on your family to motivate you to get things done. Get involved in extra-curricular activities. Don't let people's opinions or unbelief in what you are capable of doing get in the way of pursuing what you want.
Lydia
I would tell myself to take risks and not be so worried about what others think of me. I would tell myself to get out there and make more friends sooner and to enjoy college. While balance is essential, I would tell myself to put more of an effort into my friendships, while still knowing when to say no to hanging out with others. College is a place to learn but also a place to learn how to stretch in all areas of your life.
Don't take things so seriously (or literally), and take a chance when it comes to new things. You might get more out of things once you try them out. We don't get anywhere if we don't attempt new things and are willing to fall if that's what it takes to experience or learn something new.
Joy
Dear High School Senior Joy,
It's me Joy, from your future, I'm in my 3rd year of college now. Consider this a little helpful conversation on how you should prepare for your future. First off, music is the most important thing in your life right now, and in the future. Take the time to really apply yourself to personal practicing habits, when you have a full work load it's challenging to remain as disciplined. Be confident in your abilities as a musician and know that your best is all you can give. Be sure to find time for friends and don't just bury yourself in extra credit and assignements. College is going to be the greatest experience of your life, you will attain more knowledge than you ever anticipated. And you will NEVER regret learning. Apply yourself to every class, you never know what you'll wish you payed more attention to. And remember to not just focus on your destination but enjoy the journey along the way.
Patrice
I would actually have to go back even farther, to when I was a Sophmore because I never made it to my Senior year of high school. I would inform my younger self that "this to shall pass". That no matter how hard life seemed at that time as a Sophmore, it would be nothing compared to college. Everything that I was facing at the moment in my life would become insignificant by the time I reached college. High school was my stepping stone in being that much more sucessful in college. To look to the future to see the outcome of what I wanted to be. I would give my younger self a hug, possibly a tissue and let myself know that I am not alone. Many had travelled a road similar to mine and were successfull. But they were only successful because they allowed themselves to succeed. I'd proceed to encourage myself with the fact that God has never left me, nor wold he even by the time I would reach college. To lean on His knowledge, and to place my trust, hope, confidence and strength Him, because He would direct my paths.
Caitlin
First, take a good look at schools to find one that fits you, your personality, and your major. Consider whether you want to be close to home, far away, or somewhere in the middle. Also think about the cost of the schools you consider and how you will be paying for tuition and room and board.
To make the most out of your college experience, my advice would be too find a club, group, or sport to be involved in on campus. This will help you meet new people who have something in common with you and is a great way to find friends. Also, don't be shy in class and try to get to know a few people in each of your classes. Not only is this a great way to make friends but also a great way to have study buddies and get better grades! Always be yourself and don't be afraid to show others who you are and you'll have a great time in college!
Jordan
Well first of all you need to look for a place that has the major that you want to pursue. Which is very self-explanitory. The next thing you should do is visit the possible schools that you could attend. You want to go to a place where you feel comfortable, becasue you will learn and succeed much better in a place where you are comfortable. Finding a school with a good economy around it is good too, because that means it will be easier for you to find a job while at school. Obviously look for a school within your price range, but find the best possible school academically for your buck. And finally find a place where you can be you. You shouldn't have to change your identity just because your at a new school. But really in the end if you stay true to who you are, than no matter what school you go to, your college experience will be a good one. But if your looking for a place North Central University would love to have you. Go Rams!!!
Hilary
visit and pray about it!
Kia
Don't pick a college just because all your friends are going there. Find the one that you feel comfortable going to, that feels like home when you visit, and actually cares about helping you succeed. When you are there, take every opportunity to get to know people. If you live in the dorms, leave your door open. You'd be surprised how many people will stop and say hello. Expect to be challenged. Decide what's really worth fighting for and don't sweat the small things. As for parents, let your child fly. That's not to say that you shouldn't help them when you see they are going to crash and burn. For me, it has been really important that my parents have let me learn my lessons, but when I ask for their help, they are ready and willing. They are still involved in my life, and I value that.
Oluyemisi
Just make sure you are prepared.
joe
Pick a place where you will see diverse perspectives and lifestyles.
Tiffany
I would suggest that parents and students ltogether look closely at every area of the school, not just the areas they like at orientation, but look at every aspect, from the meal plan to the parking plan. Also, look into how much the school works with the students and ask around for what current students do not like about the school, that way every aspect can be considered. Colleges and universities can be a lot of money so make sure it is a school that you love and respect.
Kaitlyn
There are many different things to consider when looking for the right college. For some it may be all about the althetic department, and for others it may be how well the school does academically. It all goes with how well you can do the little things. For instance, if you get a football scholarship to lets say Notre Dame. You want to make sure that the school is the right "fit" for you. Check out the school, the dorms, sit in a classroom, eat the food, hang with the students, do whatever you need to do to make sure that you are 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} sure that this is the right school for you. Now, just because I mentioned Notre Dame doesn't mean that you have to start there. Go to all sorts of schools, public and private. There is one out there for you. You just have to look for it. I did.
Ryan
Having been through the process as a recent high school student, helping out with recruiting as a collegiate coach, and looking into further schooling for my Master's, I have had to spend quite a bit of time looking into how students decide on schools. What I've found is that while there is no way that can adequately prepare you for everything about the school, personal experience and relationships are about as close as you can get.
I would encourage any potential student to visit the school, at least once, and to see for yourself what you like and dislike about it. College visits aren't a bright new idea, but what you do on them might be. Go with a list of questions and be intentional about connecting with several current students. If a student enjoys their school, they will be glad to take time to tell you about the true 'ins and outs' of the school. With all the social networks it is very easy to stay in touch without it being awkward. This way you get the real feel of the school to add to the scripted response of the paid admissions staff.
Amber
I would tell the student to make sure that they know what career they want to go into before they decide on going to college and wasting their money on something they never wanted to do. I would also tell the student to do a thorough check into the competency of the administration in the school as well as what's available to them for housing. A lot of times schools will put on a front and when you get there you don't realize who they are until you're two years into your college education, on the verge of your jr. year, and trapped there because it's to late to transfer, in order to shy away from this I would recommend really doing a lot of research into the school by contacting people who have gone there through facebook and other means.
Emily
It is important that while looking for a college you find one that will fit your belief system and will encourage you in the direction that you are wanting to go in. It you have no idea which direction you are wanting to go, it may be wise to pick a more structured community to live is so that you may gain insight in to what your intrests are and have support and direction to accheive goals that you may have. It is also important that you are able to follow rules of conduct and standards that a school has in place. There is no point in applying and attending a school where you will spend most of your time with faculty and staff dealing with discipline becasue you can't follow the rules. It is also important to find out about the social life of a school before you vist to see if you would be comfortable living in that community. It is wise to vist the school prior to attending.
kyle
research about what you want to do and then go from there, dont pick a college that just looks good, find one that fits your needs as far as academics cause thats what you are there for
Abby
Don't waste your time and money on a program you aren't sure about. Choose "undecided" as a major until you are sure.
Ben
Find a college that fits who you are. So if you are musically orientated, find one with a major focus in the arts. Essentially find a school that fits everything about you, whether that is a school close to home or on the other side of the country. Also important is going to a school that is going to stretch you. Do not just go to a place that is comfortable and is easy for you.
To the parents, let your children have freedom in where they go and not only that be supportive. They will be muvh more liely to listen if you are being supportive and know you support them in whatever they choose. It is there life and you cannot live it for them.
Nicole
research and visit the colleges you think you might be interested. Stay over night if possible when you visit. Get to know the area surrounding the colleges so you can get a grasp of what is available, lifestyle, etc.
Once you're in, reach out. Do things you may not have before. Look for quality relationships that will last. And although initially you are there for school, don't forget to have fun once in a while.