Shawn
The advice that I would give myself is that college obligates more responsiblities. High School seemed to get me prepared academically for the next level, however, I am no longer in the comfort of my parents. I am on my own. Although, this seems cliche it is realistic. While being away from home I have realized the responsiblity of managing time and money. I have also grown to view life in many different ways. I no long have a funnelled view of my future, but a wide range of possibilities. If I were begin college with a broader mind set then perhaps I would be more involved.
Karen
be openminded, work hard but have fun
Matthew
Always remember to balance school and your personal life. It is so easy to get distracted by the freedoms of college - living on your own, having friends around all the time, having tons of things available to do all the time. While it is extremely important to have a good social life and keep having fun to help keep the stress down, it is critical to stay focused in school also. If you don't spend enough time on school work and going to class, you will quickly see your grades drop and it is very hard to come back from that.
Also, don't be afraid to meet new people. There is no better time to get out and meet fun, exciting, new people than when you're in college. There are so many great ways to meet people with similar interests and make lasting friendships. So go out and have fun!
Michael
Work hard, play hard.
Ashley
I would tell myself to take advanced placement courses to get more used to the college level of classes. I would also tell myself to get more involved in both high school and future college activities to meet more people and gain more experience. Also, making as many new friends as possible and being open makes the transition much more enjoyable.
nicole
I would tell myself that I need to become more disciplined when planning out how and when to complete asssignments because time management is essential for success. I would also tell myself to create a good excersise regime and stick to it as it will definitley help with staying focused with academics, and to stay well informed on financial aid offereings and possible work-study/internships on and off campus; regularly visit the bursar office. Lastly, to keep an open mind to everything because it will make for some great memories.
Brian
I would tell myself to try to prepare mentally for entirely new experience that will shape your future even more than high school could ever do. Each decision that you make or don't make leads you on a different life path and you must be careful in choices you make. Also, it is important to realize that it is in college that most people meet their friends for life and their career connections; so there is greater importance on networking and socializing with others,
Jessica
If I could go back in time and give myself advice during senior year of high school, I would emphasize how important time management is. I would also tell my high school self that at times, it is going to seem really difficult, but that I would be able to make it through as long as I kept my priorities straight and my goals at the forefront of my thoughts. In addition, I would remind myself to HAVE FUN and take breaks...school is extremely important but it will drive you crazy if you don't enjoy yourself every once in a while. Lastly, I would give advice to get involved with school activities and clubs and enjoy the amazing student environment.
Alexandria
The first couple weeks are going to be hard, but push through it. This is a huge change, but it is a change that is necessary in life. Take everyday one step at a time and you can get though the hardest moments. Never doubt youself, and never think someone is smarter or better than you. Be yourself.
Josh
The advice I would give to myself as a high school senior would be to get involved in as many activities as you can because youre already behind. I would also tell myself that when school work isnt challenging find some extra curricular activity to keep you busy to maintian interest in school and avoid "senioritis". Finally, I would make it a point to appreciate the speed of classes and help available from the teachersm as well as friends, because those are the times and the people you will remember the most when you go to college.
Brianna
Take *everything* into consideration and make the final decision on your own. Ultimately, that's what I ended up doing but I had a lot of input from my parents as far as choosing schools. I was pretty dead set on one school but after going and touring one that was much lower on my list, I ended up choosing that one and I feel it is the right fit for me. Less than a handful of people from my high school are at the same university as me, so don't make that a factor. Make sure you get to know the school and campus and see how you feel there. Attend an event and don't feel embarassed that you're with your parents walking around on campus. College students love to see prospective students walking around and will do all they can to get you to join their community. Overall, get to know the school and then make the choice that YOU want and pick the fit that is best for YOU alone.
Theresa
I would tell myself that college is much more difficult and I would also try to be more involved in high school so I could be more involved in college. Also that I need to work hard if I want to have a successful college career.
Kirsten
College is nothing short of one of the most amazing times of your life. With that being said, "amazing," has many different definitions. The people are amazing, the campus' are amazing however, so is the work load and required study time. Right now life is great, fun, a bit uptight sometimes but you know after that test next Friday, everything will be fine. Wake up. Simply do the math. College is at the very least ten times the size of High School, and you will soon be entering a world where you have every opportunity in the world to succeed but its all up to you! Not your teachers, principal, mom, or dad. Your success is solely based upon what you make it. Just remember, once you enter College, every student you walk by everyday wants to be just as good as you do, so begin to take that extra step. Reach out, go beyond your comfort level, attempt the "impossible," and I promise you will have an Amazing experience at college.
Sonia
Go with the flow. Relax, but keep up the hard work. It will feel great being on your own and being responsible, and you have the responsibility part down pat.
You will grow so much as a person being away from home, but soon things will become too tough to deal with so far away. If you are able to make close friends that don't party, it will help you tremendously, because it's nearly impossible to get through all the hard times when all your close friends and family are back home.
I am transferring, and I don't know if you can do better than me, but please try, because I know if i had a better support system here, I would be able to stay for 2 more years. This is a wonderful college, and I know I will miss it.
Oh, and you'll have problems with EVERY roommate. Some of the issues are all in your head, so you'll do best to live alone your second year. You need a roommate the first year to help you with the transition though.
Brittany
Leaving home and going to a school three hours away from me was a tough change. I was used to having my own room, being able to shut the door for privacy, and saw my parents every day. After coming to college that all changed. If I were to go back as a high school senior I would try to prepare myself a little better. Moving from home to college is a major change; especially living in a dorm. Not only that, but Penn State is also very diverse and I was not used to seeing so many international students. I feel that the only thing I could have done to prepare myself before coming was to let go of my parents a little more. We are very close and it was a big step to be the first child moving out. Once at school though I got involved in a service sorority and now I feel at home at Penn State. Making new friends that I know I will never forget and focusing on academics has changed me and it?s what you do when you get to a school that really makes the difference.
Lindsay
Don't be intimidated, everyone is welcoming. Don't assume that because you thought high school was a breeze, that college will be the same way. You have to work for everything you do, and professors don't give you as many breaks as they would in high school. Things are due when they say they're due, no excuses. You have to study for hours every week, you won't be able to do well on exams without studying and focusing hard. Being stressed out just make things worse, just organize things the best you can and set up a shchedule for yourself so not everything is jammed together.
Kelsey
Be careful about your roommate
Jake
If I could go back in time and give myself advice I would tell myself to get more involved in school. I should get more socially involved with other people that I go to school with. Get involved in as many clubs as possible. Check out some other social organizations such as greek life. Its amazing the people you meet and the doors that are opened when you start meeting a lot of different people. When you get involved in more activities you will meet people you never thought you'd meet in your life. You will meet the most amazing friends that you will have for life and will always be there for you. Keep working hard and never lose sight of your goals and let nothing get in your way.
Elissa
It's okay to not know exactly what you want to do when you come to college. Although some people will tell you it's important to have your major and your life planned out, you'll be just fine if you don't. When I looked at 12 colleges before my senior year of high school, I was indecisive, but I weighed the pros and cons of each and decided on Penn State. I had full ride scholarships to three other schools, but I knew I wouldn't be happy there. My out-of-state tuition is incredible now, but the experiences and degree I will get here are irreplacable. Since I have been here, I have changed majors from biobehavioral health to biology to finance to business. College is a time to find your own interests and abilities, which will lead to your career. Don't focus so much on the money or time; you'll have plenty of time to find your way. Good luck!