South Carolina State University Top Questions

The transition from high school to college is a huge one, one that people may say is the most important in ones life. When you get to college it is time to be anyone you want, and that could be someone totally differenent that you were in high school. As opposed to high school, college is a place where you can truly be yourself. Be whoever you want to be and be the best at it that you can be. Be friends with whoever you want, without having to worry about being popular or unpopular. Go after whatever major excites you and strive to do your very best. However, there will be many things trying to pull your attention; friends, school work, jobs, possibly sports, greek life, parties, as well as other extracurricular activities. Prioritize what is important to you so you do not spread yourself too thin. But at the same time take each day as it comes, because after all you only get the freedom and impowerment that college brings once in your life, and it truly does go faster than you think so enjoy each day as it comes, for all your worries will pass.

'When you leave for college, have an open mind, have fun, but be smart. Stand your ground with people or they'll try to walk over you. And no matter what happens, stay determined, focused, prioritize, and take every positive advantage possible because greatness is in store for you. This is the time for you to find yourself; just have fun and live your life while staying focused."

Be great, and never give up!

Dear high school self, I just thought you could use some advice going into your freshmen year of college. First education is more important than you may think. Work first and party later. Get involved, be open to changes and meeting new people because your not a little kid anymore. College is going to show you how to really be on your own. It shows you that no one will care for you as much as you care for yourself and your parents will most definetly not be there to hold your hand. Grades are very important and can open the doors to scholarships and other great opportunities. Make sure you stay on top of your work and stop all that procastinating, it's going to hurt you in the long run. During the transaction you are going to be introduced to some new things, see things you have never seen before and do things you have never done but never make a permanent decision on temporary feelings. Lastly enjoy yourself. Experience life and live it to the fullest. Learn from your mistakes and when you fall down don't give up, get back up. Good Luck!

The best advice I could give would be to follow your dream and not sucumb to any peer pressure, since it is after all your life and your the one living it. Not only that, but it's important to keep a good attitude and look at the broader picture in order for you to realize the importance of practical work. I would also note to heed the advice of others; however since it is ultimately your own decision, it is critical that you make a logical choice based off your best interests. Since time is valuable, and so is effort, it would be wise to keep these points in mind, so that you are better prepared for your path in the future.

Knowing what I know now about the college life and making the big transition, if i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, advice I would give myself is to stay focused and dont let that College party life get the best of you. Being a college Freshman there were parties almost every night. Most nights I had to tell myself "No, Youre not going"! because it can be tempting especially when all your friends are out and haveing fun. Also, Dont let anyone or anything get in the way of your studies. Keep your mind set on what you are truly in college for, which is strictly Education!

If I was given the chance to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to work hard and stop being so lazy because it will only help him in the long run to become more prosperous and to make him a better man.

If I could go back to high school to talk to myself as a senior, I would tell myself to apply for the summer school program to get ahead in my field. I would've told myself to make sure I did all the things I needed to get registered on time for school done earlier than I did. I would also advise myself to visit the school, learn the buildings, and talk to my advisor more. Another thing I would've done was tell myself to apply for scholarships earlier than I decided to start.

Stay in school and learn as much as you possibly can.

As a child, my parents always reminded me to aspire towards my future and somewhere along the way, I would find my true self. My parents always took care of my responsibilities, but now I know that "somewhere along the way" was surely a phrase to describe college. If I could have given myself advice as a high school senior, it would have been to learn time management. The first day of college, nobody was there to wake me up by 8:00 a.m. or remind me to begin my studies before 10:00 p.m. High school had a fixed schedule; however, in college, there are fewer assignments which are graded with heavier weighted averages. I was going to be held accountable to work with study groups and take advantage of tutoring on campus. I had to create my study schedule and determine how I was going to manage my time to amount to my full academic potential. Adjusting to college life was not easy, but I am glad that "somewhere along the way", I have proven myself to be an intelligent woman who has managed to earn a 4.0 G.P.A. after first semester.

I would have contiuned my education than rather then trying to go back. Once you begin a family you have more priorities, more bills . I myself have been trying to return to school for 20 years and every time you think you might be able to take a class something comes up and there goes the money you put aside. I work full time, so I decided to get a part time job to pay for my school . That did not work, the economy fell and my husband income dropped down to a 1/3. To add to that my son was getting ready to go into the EMT course . It has been a tough 4 years. So I added on another job (2 part time jobs & 1 full time). Last year I worked on the average of 70hrs a week and went to school finished the year with 4.0 GPA. I am currently in college I received a scholarship from The AWBA , which I am so greatful for. The transition was hard at first going back to school after 20 yrs, but it is one of the best choices I have made in my life. Denise Garzone

SCSU did an excellent job of helping me to transition into college. If I had to give myself one piece of advice, it would be to develop better study habits beyond completing homework assignments.

look kid i understand your having fun with your friends and not putting your best foot foward in your classes because you know the material in the class, but listen to these words and take heed to what i tell you. In college its a totally different story, there is no room for reclass mistack and error the day you step foot on campus and your parents say thier final goodbye, you have now entered the adult world what ever take place this day foward you can only blame no one else but self. All documents that your comfortable with throwing away in highschool is not going to benift you in the college world, no staff member is responsible to any important papers that are in your possesion you must have proof for all documents that you claim to have turned in which means make copies and get them stamped by the university. Honestly this kind of change is not over night so start now while you stil have the chance.

There is so much advice I would give myself if I could go back in time. One thing I would tell myself would be to try harder in school and make the best grades that you possibly can. My school offered a program where your senior year you could take college classes for free at Madisonville Community College and I would make myself take them. Another thing I would make sure to stress to myself would be APPY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS. When I graduated I wasn't sure if I wanted to go to college becuase no one in my family had ever been. College life is very stressful especially when you are trying to make the best grades you can as well as work to pay the bills. I would stress to myself that I don't get financial aid so I need to do all I can to get done as fast as I can and apply for scholarships. That basically sums up what I would tell myself if I could go back in time which I wish I could.

I would tell myself to stay focus, study hard and take your grades more serious. Do your homework because every bit will count. I would also tell myself to work and save up money anytime I can for school, just in case there is a lack of money down the line. I would prepare myself for the college life better. I would always remember that enough is never enough. More is always better. Take your time and hold your head up high. Believe in yourself. You are capable to do anything that you set your mind to. Chose your friends wisely. Not every one you come across is your friend. Keep god 1st because he will get you through many days. Days when you feel like the world is on your shoulder and your in this world alone. It's okay to have a social life. But as long as your social life doesn't effect your studies. Life is what you make it! So give it all you GOT!

I WOULD TELL MYSELF TO PUT ASIDE TIME EACH DAY TO STUDY AND WORK ON PAPERS SO THAT YOU DONT HAVE TO CRAM. I WOULD ALSO TELL MYSELF TO BE MORE OUTGOING AND OPEN UP TO NEW THINGS AND PEOPLE BECAUSE WHEN YOU DO YOU MIGHT HAVE FUN. AND LASTLY I WOULD TELL MYSELF TO SIT INFRONT OF CLASS, BECAUSE IT IS EASIER TO TAKE NOTES ANS PAY ATTENTION.

In college i've got to experience the chance of meeting new people and being in a different environmet. I've learned to appreciate education more because of the fact that I have to pay for it now. With this experince i've had the opportunity to gain a higher education of learning and sundry study methods. It has been valuable to attend this school because it has helped me to grow into a more mature and responsible young adult.

I have learned that college is a life choice either you choose to go or you dont go . Everyone is not college materials and some people are there just because their parents made them attend college. I have also learned that every person on a college campus who says they want to help or their going to help you is not really going to help you have to find things out on your own. I chose to attend college beause no one in my family has even completed high school, and some of my family hasn't made it past the third grade. I saw the need to show them that someone in the family plans to do something with their life. I also havve to make a way for my son to show him that being a dropout leads to drugs,alcohol,and other dangerous activites. I wanted to be the one to show him that life can be grat with a good quality education.

I learned a lot about the different people in the world. I was able to experience what its like to be a serious student athlete becasue collegiate sports are not easy; especially when having to keep up a certain GPA to maintain a scholarship. Thi salso taught me time management. Its been a valuable experience because I have met people at school that I will be friends with forever and will always be connected to. I had the chance to be apart of a wonderful sorority and I love my sorority sisters. With them I was able to experience a whole new bond that I dont think I would have ever gotten. My undergrad college experience has been great and Im sad that in May it will be over with. But on to the next part of my life graduate school. I hope I can continue to meet lifelong friends and learn more about the world around me.

I have not only been educated in the Electrical Enginnering field, but I have also learned to pace myself through a heavy work load, plan for upcoming events, and better communication skills with working professionals and professors.