Marcella
If I could go back in time I would tell my self to not stress so much about how hard college is going to be. It really isn't that hard as long as you stay on top of your workload. I would alo tell myself not to worry so much about my long distance college relationship, it works out. Everything will be fine. Another, really important this is do not stress about making friends! You friends are out there and you will find them its only a mtter of time. Again, everything woks out. The dinning hall food really isn't as terrible as everyone makes it seem so don't fret, you will have things to eat. Most importantly have fun and be open minded to new things, food, art, music. Become a more well rounded individual.
Durrie
To be completely honest, I wouldn't tell myself anything. I think that part of the college experience is being thrown into the fray and figuring out how to make it work. You can't bring preconceived notions about what you'll get involved in because you might lose out on the opportunity to fall in love with something completely random, like basketweaving or writing for a music magazine. As a high school senior, I would have given anything to know who my friends were going to be, what classes I would take, and whether I would like the dorm food. But now that I'm here, I'm relieved that I had the chance to meet so many people, take random classes like Arabic and Adventure Stories, and learn how to get creative in the dining hall. Usually, I'm one of the most planned, organized people. But being a little unsure of myself my first few weeks here took me to a whole new understanding of who I was and what I truly cared about, and I wouldn't change that for the world.
Jon
I would tell myself to take schooling more seriously. It would make college easier if I had taken the time and tried to do well back in high school. I would also tell myself not to give up on my dreams. I could have been further along in my life if I had pushed for what I wanted rather than waiting for something to come my way.
Kimberly
Take full advantage of as many opportunities as you can. The resources available to you in college are abounding, so use them. Never lose sight of your purpose for attending college and the goals you've set for yourself and plan to achieve. You have a strong support system behind you; your family is looking to you to make them proud, so do it!
Think of all the hard work you put in to get this far; always keep in mind the obstacles you've overcome that have altered your path but never faded your goals in sight. That sort of perseverance is a must!
Keep your priorities straight; there will always be time to work on your social life. Academics come first. All else will fall into place. You've struggled with time management, work on it! Work on this to better yourself; it will benefit you throughout your college career and in future endeavors. Be proactive, and confident. Cherish every moment--the good and the bad. Learn from your mistakes, and work on yourself everyday. You are being given an opportunity that most could never dream of--work hard, and enjoy.
David
I have done this already and gave the students this advice. You have four years to be a new situation and you should fully embrace it. If you have never done something before, try it once.
Rachel
I would tell myself not to stress too much. It is important to be realistic about the college application process while not worrying too much. Give yourself credit for your accomplishments. Know that college isn't all that it appears to be in those shiny booklets you get. It's not perfect. But that is better, because you will gain valuable knowledge and experiences for life. Know that you will have to adjust and make a transition, and all of that is normal. Keep an open mind and focus on your studies while trying to branch out to meet new people. Stay positive, and try as much as you can. College is an experience; take it all in for the best.
Annalisa
I would tell myself to not take life so seriously. College is a time to make mistakes, that's the greatest part about it. It's a giant sandbox: you can keep creating every kind of castle you can dream up, and if a mean kid comes around to knock one over, it's ok, because there's always an endless amount of sand to create some more. I would tell myself to practice making as many of those sand castles as possible, so when the day comes to grow up, you will have perfected the art of creating.
Sheetal
Do more work during the week so you can enjoy your weekends and participate in on and off campus activities.
shakira
I would tell myself to manage my time better and try to get involved a little to get a true first year experience. Staying boxed up in your dorm is not the way to spend your college years. College time needs to be carefully prioritized to make time for studying, making new friends, and participating in many activities offered.Also getting on your teachers good side is a great tactic, if your a good student they will usually work with you if your struggling. Don't keep things to your self, college is like a family.....There is always someone who can help you with whatever problem you are facing. College is what you make it, so if you put forth your greatest efforts you should have the makings of a great college experience!
Francesca
I would give myself the advice of studying more for AP exams so I wouldn't have to take the gen-ed classes that I am taking now. That way you can really just jump right into your major and decide if it's what you want to do forever. Also, I would say don't let people influence the way you pick your friends because in college, that can really block a whole group of people out if you decide you don't like one sort of person or another because you friend doesn't.