Northern Virginia Community College Top Questions

Do NOT be afraid that you aren't good enough to go somewhere else. This is your path and it is a good path. Don't give up on it, and you will find open doors wherever you go.

Northern Virginia Community College is not an easy alternative to a 4 year College or University. NVCC is every bit as challenging as the 4 year institutions if not more so as you are learning things at a faster pace sometimes. If you have the discipline to do so, you can take online courses to help free up your schedule, but you have to be able to keep up with the assignments w/o the regular classroom setting.

If i could go back in time, i would tell myself to stay more open about the choices of colleges. I closed down and was determined to go to one specific school, and i got in but decided that i just didn't want it as much any more before i left. I wish i would have looked at more schools, and i advise to all high school juniors and seniors to keep your mind open about everything. I suggest that you know what you want about the environemnt and campus and stick with your gut.

Never be afraid to try something. As a senior I was afraid to go off to a four year university for two reasons: I was afraid to take out loans and I was also afraid of not being able to make it on my own. I was so stressed out that if I went and didn't make any friends, then I would be stuck in this strange place with out anybody to turn to. I figured if I stayed home atleast I would have that familiar comfort. However after one semester of living at home I have realized how much I am missing out on, the chance to have a roommate or suitemates, the chance to live on my own and prove to myself that I can. Also it frustrates me to know that one of the only reasons I did not go off to school was because I was afraid. Life is to short to be afraid of something and I am sure I wont make that mistake again.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself, I would have straight A's. Going to college, I found that teachers are the most valuable resource you have, and it's shocking how many people don't go to them for help. If you have a question, you should see your teacher as soon as possible. Teachers also give the best advice to get great grades in school, because they have gone through it! My ITE professor told me the first day of class that reading ahead prepares you when you go into the classroom. This could not be more true, and last semester i got all A's. I would also tell myself to go to an acadmecic advisor more often. I wasted lots of money because I thought I knew everything about the classes I needed and where I was going to transfer after community college. Teachers and advisors are great resources and I wish I used them more when I was in high school.

If I could go back to high school, I would advise myself to take college a little more serious the first time around. I was young and stupid when I entered college after high school. Then my dad died and my world changed. I dropped out of college and moved back home to be with mom. Finally, once she was back on her feet, I didn't know what to do with my life, so I joined the military. However, I made another mistake of a young and inexperienced recruit. I didn't sign up for the GI bill. Now as an adult with a family, I am struggling to pay for college and forced to take out huge loans to pay for the classes and textbooks. So, if I could go back and talk to myself, I would slap myself in the face and say, "Wake up!" I would advise myself finish college the first time, and if I did still join the military, to sign up for the GI Bill. I wouldn't want to go back to the past, but I do wish I had made better choices... they not only affect me, but also my family.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice as a senior in high school I would tell myself to take advantage of all the opportunities I had at my hands. I would advocate asking more questions about college and tell myself put aside my pride in doing so, because asking questions never hurt anyone. My biggest piece of advice would be to tell myself to do research on the major that I was looking into because it requires a great deal of thought being that it would someday be my profession. I would also tell myself to remain focused, but also to have fun because while it is great to be driven and determined it is also essential to have fun too; there has to be a balance. Then I would tell myself about college life and the responsibilities and independence that came along with it. I think that if I knew then what I know now I would have been much more prepared for college life, but that would have taken the adventure and excitement out of the experience.

"You need to write this 3000 word essay by tomorrow and it must be perfect because I'm preparing you for college." That is the most redicoulous statement I have ever heard. Why are high school educators so concentrated on making life difficult for their students? If I could go back in time and prepare myself better for college life, I would do so by realizing that school is not as hard as high school educators make it out to be. College life is fun, and provides an excellent learning enviornment. If more high school students were prepared for what college actually is, and not how hard it will be and how they will probably not succeed, I feel that more students would try to get in school, I feel students would do better, and I feel that students would be better prepared to handle the responsiblities of college. So, what would I tell myself if I could go back in time? I would tell myself to not worry, college is not hard, not easy, but not hard, and is a very enjoyable learning expierence.

I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships beforehand and take advantage of the opportunities that are out there for young people. I would also tell myself to stay focused and have goals instead of being content with some new jordans. The end of highschool and the end of being a teenager are some of the crucial years of your life. The decisions that you make impact your life significantly. I would tell myself to be more involved in the college searching process. Last but not least, i would tell myself not to skip so much. College life is serious and the transition is very different. The company you keep and your habits might overwhelm you, but its up to you to stay focused.

If I could go back to visit myself in high school and deliver some pearls of wisdom about college life I woulf first tell myself not to be nervous: everyone is feeling uneasy about the first day and it will bring the student body closer together. I would also tell myself not to take my easy life for granted because living on your own while working, paying bills, and attending class full time is the hardest thing you will experience- enjoy the time you have living at home with your mom, but prepare yourself for all the responsibilities that lay ahead. On a more sentimental note, I would tell myself to thank Mr. Calfee, my IB Biology and chemistry teacher because he is the person who single handedly prepared me for college level learning: the rigorous studying techniques, time management, and overall knowledge that he bestowed upon me has benefitted me greatly, I owe my overall success to him, hands down. Thank you.