Ashley
I would tell myself to not bring everything that I own my Freshman year of college. Most of the stuff in my dorm room that I brought I never used and it just sat in my room the whole year. When I was getting ready to come back home there was a lot of stuff that had to go back with me. I would just take the time and figure what exactly I really truly needed for college and only bring that.
Dakota
If I could go back an give myself advice on what to do to better prepare myself for college life I would tell myself a couple of things. First I would say try everything. From voulenteer groups to certain organizations, from greek life to athletics. Also make sure you attend all of the first year activities. Plus do not be afraid to go and meet new people because thats what college is for is to make new friends and meet new people. Also make sure you meet all the deadlines for everything because there is no flexability in college. Other than that college has been pretty succesful and fun.
Cory
Cory,
Choosing the best college for you should be a well thought out process. The earlier you start to think about your collegiate future, the better. I know that you are looking to continue playing sports at the college level so this process is even more important for you. I know that you want to go to a school with a well known sports program but my advice is to not overlook anyone that is offering you money. Apply for FAFSA as well. This gives you a better chance to receive financial help. Keep up the good work!
Danielle
Take your time when choosing your college.Do not let anyone force you into your decision,and always talk with people that have already attended the school you are interested in.Visit the school more than once to get an honest opion.
Jeremy
I would give advice that College life is nothing like high school at all. The teachers really do not care if your in class or not they get paid either way.
Brett
I would tell myself to concentrate on getting into better shape and getting stronger. I would also have myself be more outgoing and get involved in more things other than sports. I think I would do some more community service as well. I would tell myself not to concentrate on having a girlfriend so much. Also, I would tell myself to be more independent from my parents and to try to work as much as I could. I would make myself concentrate on my grades more and take more courses for college credit, as many as I could. This would allow me for a little more free time in college and more flexability in my schedule. A big key for yourself is to figure out what you are going to try to accomplish. Once you figure this out, college becomes a whole lot easier and more fun.
riley
If I had to do it all over, I would undoubtedly encourage myself to continue to work hard and remain optimistic. While working as a full time restaurant manager and a full time student, I have found myself easily becoming discouraging during difficult times. However, it is important that I remain optimistic and positive about my life as it stands. It is the life that God has given me and my parents are assisting me through.
Christa
I would advise myself to be more open when I first got to campus. I was a shy student and was afraid to branch out. Now I have more confidence and am willing to make more friends.
CASEY
dont be afraid to ask questions. All upperclassmen have been in the same situation you are now, and most had the same questions. No one is going to judge you for not knowing everything about college right away, that would be weird if you didnt have any questions. So ask questions.
Jessica
Don't worry about the high school drama. College is a totally different playing field. The pety girl fights and stupid boys won't compare to the real lasting friendships that you will make in college. Forget the boys, you'll find your dream guy, no man, in college and the highschool boys will seem so silly. Take some more A/P classes to get more college credit. Paying $75 for a test for 3 credit hours is way better that $300-$500. Keep that in mind. Enjoy highschool, but really... college will be the time of your life. Oh yeah, and take as many math classes in high school as possible and make sure you are good at typing papers!
Molly
Before you go to college, it is cruical you get good at speed reading. This will cut your time you spend on assignments nearly in half. Practice on books and scholarly written articles that you find interesting. Also, work on organizational and planning skills. Master of the art of writing; this skill can take you very far within any aspect of your life and you will earn more respect from colleagues.
Eriin
If I knew what I know now when I was in high school I would tell myself to stay true to who you are and work hard to accomplish the goals you want to complete. College life comes with a whole new world of possibilities and choices that a student has to make on their own. It can be difficult for some students to learn to control their decisions without the guidance they once had from their parents. Although it is sad, I have seen some classmates from high school who could have had the world at their fingertips throw it all away to drinking or drugs and not focusing on school. Finding out who you are and staying true to yourself is the best way to accomplish your goals. My dad always tells me, "The decisions you make determine the life you lead." When I was younger, I sort of just shrugged off this advice. Now I see that he is right and that every decision you make, no matter how small, will have an impact on what you do and who you are. Remember that every decision you make impacts your life and to think before you act.
Rachael
I would tell myself to make more friends outside of my roommates and they're friends.
Brittney
I would tell myself to focus a lot more on academics and less on being well-rounded and i would tell myself that I should prepare for test a lot better.
Angel
Plan out exactly what you want to do. Fill out financial aid!!! Give your child something that will help them progress in the future and not what's best for you. They will only do as good as they want and no one else. Plan plan plan... or u will regret it. Put them on campus to help them enteract with the other students and find lifetime friendship! A suuport system is the best policy to help you through collefe.
Sarah
When choosing a college, you must always keep your needs in mind. If you need small classes, quiet study areas and dorm rooms without a lot of activity, a large university may not be the place for you. If you like a high-pace, lots of fun college where the main focus is to just wait out the week for the weekend to come, a major university will probably suit your style better. Any school you attend will have a choice of classes and many varieties of students, so you should not base your choice solely on the physical aspects of the college.
Nicole
The ultimate decision comes down to the student. Its a matter of where you feel comfortable, welcome, and have a sense of belonging. Prestige and reputation of schools might be impressive to some people, but really getting a lot out of the school you go to (in both academics and socially) is much more impressive, and will show much more in your developed personality and sense of self.
Kelley
College really is the best years of your life. Make sure you do a lot of research and find the college that best suites you and your interests. Going away to college is really a great experience and helps you grow up and become independent. Make sure you get involved! It is a great way to meet new people, stay busy, and adjust to college life more quickly. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Professors and faculty are more than happy to help you with whatever you need. Explore your options and take a variety of classes. This will help you find the right path for you in life. It is ok to change your major how every many times you need to. It is important that you like what you are going to be doing and it makes you happy. Your college experience is what you make it, so get involved and meet lots of people. It's ok to be nervous, but it's really great! Good luck and enjoy!
David
You need to know what kind of atmosphere your looking for and when you find that you need to find the right group of friends for you. Your friends will be the main thing that will make your college experience good or bad. So, if you find the right group of friends you will be totally fine and fall in love with that college you chose.
Casey
Don't Stress! In the end, You will be happy with whatever you decide on and even if your not you can always transfer. Dont be afraid to say your not happy where you are. The major factors that I focused on were size, environment, faculty, cost, and student body. And parents, greek societies are not what you think they are. They are not the stereotypical 'drinking clubs'. At SEMO, my fraternity is a resource for meeting people with the same interests and hobbies of mine, and an outlet to meet friends that I will have for the rest of my life. Parents should stand behind their college students looking at greek organizations., atleast check it out and give it a chance. In the end, as a freshman, just dont be afraid to ask questions. People understand that you are new and getting settled in, and older students have all been freshmen at one point and have been in the same position you are in now. College is for getting a higher education in order to get a good career, but also to meet lifelong friends and find who you are, oh yea and dont forget to have fun!