Temple University Top Questions

The most valuable advise that I could give my high school self concerning college would be to take every opportunity offered to you and not to worry about what others think. Upon entering into Temple I was very nervous about succeeding, as well as, about how my classmates would respond to me. In middle school I was frequently bullied, and was nervous that I would experience similar incidents in college. However, now I feel that life is what you make of it. You cannot influence how others will act or react, but you can decide how you will respond. Temple was a very accepting school and I did not experience any negative attitudes from my peers, which I am grateful for. The diverse student population actually helped me recognize that one should not be afraid to express themselves; there are no opportunities for accomplishment without risk.

The advice I would give my former self would be to take advantage of all aspects of high school, because the habits you build are carried into college. Finding the best method of study for yourself and implimenting that when you are younger will fuel you in college. I personally feel as though I didn't focus on balancing school work and social life as much as I should have. In high school, students can be more focused on fitting in and dealing with social challenges, which causes academics to fall through the cracks. If I had spent more time actually learning, and creating a way to learn in the midst of other social pressures, I would have been better prepared for college. Most students have matured by the time they reach college, and are now considered "adults." Factor in the freedom of being surrounded by peers rather than parents, and the temptation to procrastinate can be irresistable. Now, studying 24/7 isn't the answer. The importance is in finding stability. If I could go back and teach myself one thing, it would be this: "Don't work hard. Work smart."

The night before he graduates high school, Paul has a dream that gives him guidance for his upcoming freshmen year. The advice I would give to myself as a high school senior would be to learn to manage my time well. Time management is imperative as a college student; without it one cannot function at his/her maximum potential. I adopted the 8-8-8 formula—8 hours of sleep, 8 hours of leisure, and 8 hours studying—late during the course of my freshmen year of college; as a result I did not do as well as I would’ve liked. The second and most prominent tip I’d give myself is to learn to become more independent. Independence is crucial to the success of any college student because no one is going to hold the hand of a functioning 18 or 19-year-old. Finally, know who you are and where you want to go. Goal-oriented people tend to do better than those without plans because they have outlined what they desire to achieve. Living an independent, well-managed, goal-oriented lifestyle will ensure one is successful as a college student. Now wake up and get going!

Take full advantage of all that college has to offer, have fun and take your education seriously. College is the first time in your education that you will be on your own with very little supervision. You must be responsible and disciplined or else you will fail. If you fail, your employment options will be limited and you may get stuck in a job that you hate. Going back to school when you are older will be challenging as you will have to balance school and your other responsibilities. It is easier to do it now while you are young. College is also a time to develop who you are as a person. Research the extra curricular activities available and get involved. This will help build your people networks, experience and resume while helping you figure out what you like to do. Time management is the most important aspect of college. You will have a lot of free time on your hands as your classes will not be all day. It’s ok to have fun, just do it after your work is completed and you will be ok.

One of my biggest worries going from high school to college was about making friendships. Although in high school I was not close with my classmates, I was very close with the other teens I danced with who mostly went to a different high school, but were still my best friends and the people I had come to view as my family. I had a fear that I would go to college and make friends but not any close friendships, like the ones I had spent the previous 9 years cultivating. The number one piece of advice I would give my high school self is to not stress making new friends because it happens so quickly and the people you meet in college become your best friends in no time at all. Keeping close contact with high school friends is important because those friends are the only ones that knew you during that time, but it is also important to be open to making friends in college and creating relationships that support not only your social life but also your career preperations, your emotional needs, and your sanity as you navigate the insane and wonderfully life-changing college years.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to prepare more and not to listen to what those other kids are telling you. Choose a college that fits you, don’t think about where your friends are going, don’t think about if you are going to be alone, just think about you. Think ahead to what might and might not happen and don’t be so cocky in your choices. Take the “lesser college” option a little more serious. You are a great guy and people love you but you are only an application, a couple of pieces of papers and a few essays, to an admissions officer. I guess the overall gist of the conversation would be to just be you and make wise decisions. I know it’s cliché and my high school senior self would look at it as though I don’t know what I’m talking about but then again, I is my life. I have lived it and I am only there to make sure my past self gets the best option that can be afforded to him.

Really the truth about High School is NOT the fun and boyz.....It REALLY is about your education! Sure you can have fun too, but remember the Books come first! And when it's time to go to College...then you REALLY get to realize why the heck you studied so hard....to get to this - College! Work towards your dreams. HAVE dreams. Without them you will not aspire for anything! So when you are done studying, put down your books, lie down and close your eyes. Dream, dream big, dream colorful, dream large. Your hard work will lead you........and your dreams will show your path! I promise you that for sure!

The best advice I would give to myself as well as anyone else attending college in the near future is attaining good time managemnet. My first year was a stuggle because thoughout high school I never studied so I would wait until the last minute to begin studying for a test and try to memorize the information rather than actually learning it. Even when it was time to write papers, I would stay up all night trying to finish a paper I've had for weeks in advance. Time management also plays a role in your social life; as a college student you do not want to spend all of your time studying so you'll engage in activites with friends. Those actvities have to be well balanced with your school work because it is very easy to fall behind and that itself become a burden. Without time management a student could become very stressed so to aviod any stress or aggitation just plan your days accordingly and discipline yourself to follow your agenda.

Hey self, I need to share with you some experience I've gained throughout my past 3 years of college. Firstly, renting textbooks is way better than buying them from the bookstore. That place will rip you off. Also, doing research on student loans may seem overwhelming now, but it is very important to understand how much you're signing up for. After you graduate from High School, you will be going to Atlantic Cape Community College, and it will take 5 whole semesters. Try not to take any classes you don't need and maybe we can get out sooner than that. Academic advisors aren't always dedicated to making your education smoother. You're going to have to do a lot of planning on your own, including class registration. When I made it to Temple University, all my hard work paid off. Don't let anyone keep you down. You and I both know, because we are the same person, that as long as you hold onto your dreams, everything else will fall into place. So, spend wisely, love with all of your heart, and work hard.

Take some time after graduating from high school. Don't get pressured to go to college because everyone thinks that is what you should do right away. Do what is right for yourself.