Andrea
I would tell myself that college is hard. The Ohio State University is harder than most colleges. You need to prepare for your autumn quarter by studying regularly and do not go out to parties.
kayla
I'd suggest joining as many campus based activities as possible.
Austin
I would tell myself to go above and beyond what the teachers expect on assignments. Also i would tell myself to study a lot more so i would be able to do better on tests now and be a better studier as well. I would also tell myself to not procrastonate so much with my homework. That goes for studying too.
Brooke
I would tell myself that college is going to be harder and focus on your education. I got distracted my freshman year by all the service, leadership and social opportunities . If you stay dedicated and put your education first you will suceed. I also would say get involved in what means the most to you. My involvement in the church has been the best decision that I have made.
Rachel
Coming to OSU from, 'that state up there', was a huge transition for me; not a single person from my smal rural town of Fenton, Michigan was going to Ohio State except for me. At first, it was somewhat of a relief that I was going to be able to get away from the people I had know for 12 years of my life, but as i moved into my dorm it set in that I was not going to like not knowing anyone and having to start all over, over the next two months I proceeded to go home every weekend. Now three years later I can't imagine being anywhere else. To my high school senior self, here are my words of wisdom: Keep busy; if you sit around watching tv and reminscing about your old friends all day, you'll never know all the cool things going on at the best college ever! Also don't go home everyweekend, it's nice to see old friends, but then you realize they all have new friends and you still haven't even gotten to know your roomate! Finally, study before finals, it's never fun to pull allnighters!
Blake
If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that studying after class is crucial to doing well in class. I would tell myself that I should study the things that the professors don't cover in class because there would be a good chance that the uncovered material will be on the exam. I would also tell myself that I would be sleep deprived from doing homework and having fun at college. The most useful thing that I have to offer to myself in terms of advice is to actually read the material before lecture. It would have helped me to understand what the lecturer was talking about during lecture. I would recommend for myself to schedule for classes after 9:00 am. I went through a whole entire quarter with a 7:30 am math lectures and 8:30 math recitations. I was averaging about 3.5 hours of sleep for the weekdays and I ended up with a less than satisfactory grade in the class. The most important thing for me to tell myself is to have fun since my undergraduate career only comes once.
Erica
I would tell myself first of all to try to find more ways to get involved from the beginning, when you have nothing going on. This would have majorly helped the adjustment period. I would also tell myself to study a lot more my first year and not get so caught up in the excitement of new people and such a beautiful place. I would have also suggested trying to talk to more people and have an open attitude about everyone. Also, finding a job quickly is important because it is nice to have the extra money later, and it also helps you have more purpose, learn better time management, and also gain even more friends and a place where you belong.
Patricia
As an oncoming freshman, many things may seem overwhelming. The university is large and provides so many social and academic opportunities. It is very important to balance the two of these. Believe ot or not, the majority of college students (especially uppoerclassman) are not party animals, so pace yourself. It is very different than high school, you do not have to work hard to fit in. The campus is so divverse, you will eventually fing your niche. Although there are still some freshman that think they are in High school, and still play the petty games... usually by year two, those same freshman have eithre dropped out or matured. Finally, make sure you focus on academics.... aim high, it is worth it (and in many cases it can pay for itself through scholorships and opportunities before and after graduation... and above all, DO NOT BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP. The university is full of both advisors and peers that can help you through any problem.
Fammy
I would have told myself not to let my financial set backs keep my from trying alternative options and that saving is essential! I would tell my high school self to apply for more scholarships and to be more involved in my community. Volunteer more and don't be so closed minded about what you want out of school. Aspirations are important, but don't let them drive you to be too specific to the point where you are limiting your college choices. All schools are different, but you will find one that will fit your needs, even if it seems the least likely of choices. No matter what happens during your college career, you will still suceed in whatever you push yourself to complete. Mistakes or obstacles may occur but that should never inhibit your goals because you will find the resources you need to avoid or overcome these. Don't get caught up in the little things, because in the end just be grateful that you are able to pursue something that you are passionate about!
Carly
If I could go back to my senior year of high school and talk to myself about the college life and transitions I would tell myself to enjoy every step of the process and to not be afraid to be myself once I get there. I myself saw finding and picking a university as such a long and difficult process, which it is, but it should be joyful and exciting as well. There is a lot of hard work that goes into the prior years and I would argue now that the transition into college life shouldn't be difficult and scarey, it should be a time for a new beginning with new people, new friendships formed, and new opportunities created. College is a lot of hard work, but I believe it will be the best years of my life. I would want my high-school-self to reach out to people and to not be the shy kid in the corner. Focussing on schoolwork is always first, but creating new memories should come second. My final advice to me would be, "don't be afraid to mess up, and enjoy every new experience that comes your way."