North Idaho College Top Questions

Knowing that college is not all about just partying and having fun, I would definitely advice myself that college is different than what movies make them out to be. Also, I would tell myself to spend more time working on math before I went to college. Math has always been my hardest subject, and I don't think I spent enough time on math before going to college. More importantly, I would encourage myself to read more music theory before heading off to college. Going to college as a music major, this would have been one of the most helpful and necessary advice I would give myself if I could go back in time, knowing what I know now.

I?m fairly happy with how I handled my transition to college. Taking courses at the community college since my sophomore year helped a lot, and gave me a good idea of what kind of academic work I should expect in college. The most difficult part of the transition for me, being homeschooled, is adapting socially. I?m not used to being in a class with twenty other people, or having to deal with teacher?s idiosyncracies. One piece of advice I wish I'd heard is ?Expand your horizons.? I was focused on music, and all my activities were orchestras and chamber groups. I now know that I don?t want to study music, and wish I had looked into other areas, especially ones that interested me. I still have the power to change that, though. I?m getting involved in other things and branching out into areas that previously were of no interest to me. The most important thing to me is following my heart, but I don?t want to do that blindly. I try to have a basic plan, which I can expand on and change as I discover who I really am.

I would say to spend as much discovery time at a two-year school as possible, figuring out a final major path, then transferring to a four-year school. This will save money, as two-year schools are much less expensive than universities. I would also say to explore career opportunities in your chosen field thoroughly, especially internships in a field such as Graphic Design or Journalism, which has been hit hard in the recession. One of the biggest things I would say: Apply for as many scholarships as possible. During my senior year, I meant to apply for some but didn't because I was too busy or I didn't want to spend the effort.

Senior High School Marissa, You are so smart and I do not want you to be afraid. I know you can go to college and make the grades. Do not wait another minute to start your paperwork. Get in there and work hard, make it happen. You are going to make so many friends and you are going to make so many memories. You are truely brilliant and the amazing knowledge you will soak up is going to be so useful. Have fun and work hard!! College Marissa

if i could go back to tome and talk to myself as a high school senior. i would have to look for scholarships and opertunities to help pay for my tuition. i would have also start when i was younger to help me decide what i would want to be when i get older in the future.