The College of Idaho Top Questions

I was really prepared for college. My high school made sure we took what we needed and the teachers did an outstanding job to prepare us. I took 5 duel enrollment classes in high school. To prepare us for writing in college, my high school teacher made us write papers every day. We had big assignments as well. My second semester we wrote a 15-20 page research paper. When I got to college, other students were complaining about writing 1 ½-2 page papers; I think it is a piece of cake. I can get one that small done in 10-15 minutes. The only thing that I would go back and tell myself is to take more of the duel enrollment classes. Other than getting more college classes out of the way, I was over prepared for college.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school, the advice I would give myself would be to focus more on my schoolwork and really think about my future and what I want to do or be in the long run. College is not as easy as you think it would be by watching movies or television shows; it takes a lot of concentration and hard work, but it is all worth it in the end.

I would tell my high-school-self this: get involved—it’s worth it! As a lifelong bibliophile and a fairly shy character, I spent my first two years at the College of Idaho deep in study. Free time passed in my room reading articles and investigating further the issues raised in my most thought-provoking classes. This comfortable but cocooned outlook did not facilitate making many friends, and I did not take advantage of and actively engage in the rich community available at CofI. As I came to understand more fully what a liberal arts education encompasses, I realized I was nurturing my academic nature to the exclusion of growth as a person and as a member of a fun, caring, diverse learning and residential community. I was missing my chance to contribute to this community and to learn from the others around me. Consequently I have spent my junior year joining in multiple campus clubs as member and officer, in an academic honor society, and in internships and projects. I am making lasting friendships and learning local and global perspectives from the people I am interacting with. Imagine what I could have learned starting college with this outlook!

To fill out scholarship applications and to not stress myself out

The advice I would give myself if I could go back and talk to my high school self would be to lay out a general plan on what you wanted inthe future and make suret that even if I didn't know exactly what i wanted to do, that was ok, but to make sure the school fit the interests and needs for myself, not only now, but also for what I wanted four years from now when I graduate.

Knowing what I know about college life and the transition from high school to college now, I would have a lot of advice form myself as a high school senior. The first advice I would give is to experiment with classes in high school. Although this is also an option to do in college, having even more time to explore many different subjects would have helped in my decision on what I want to major in. The second piece of advice that I would give my high school self is to be excited for college and the many options it holds and to not be so nervous about living on campus, making friends, choosing classes, and the other various worries I had in high school. The nervousness was pointless because college allows you to find your interests and to understand yourself better. The third and final piece of advice that I would give myself based on what I have learned about college life is to gather advice from as many people as possible about college majors, career opportunities, and career paths. The more advice or perspective that you can get, the more prepared you will be for the big transition!

If I could go back to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to be more confident in the decision and to not be as nervous. When I was a senior, I was scared and nervous, yet excited all at the same time. Looking back now, I wish I would have realized how fun the college experience would be and how much my life would change, in a positive way. I also would tell myself that I need to reconnect with God before going to a christian college,

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would give three pieces of advice. First, I would say fill out as many scholarships as possible. Even a little bit of money helps. Second, I would say stop procrastinating on homework because it is a lot harder to catch up in college. Finally, I would say to try your best, don't stress over every little thing, and have fun!

I would advise myself to not quit school and be thankful for school. I would tell myself to not listen to those that say that you don't need school, because school is important. I would tell high school me, that it is easier to complete college right after high school, instead of waiting till your late twenties when you have to work and be a parent. I would say that although, some of the classes may seem pointless, just stick with it, and get it over with so you can start youre career by your late twenties and so you do not have to work dead end, low paying, jobs.

I would go back and tell myself to breathe and have fun. In high school, I took a lot of Honors and AP courses to advance myself as well as was involved in Varsity Basketball and other clubs. I pushed myself far, and thats a good thing because it helped me grow up and mature, but at the same time, I worried too much about college. I would tell myself not to be afraid to apply to out of state schools, because I am good enough for any college. I am diligent, strong, smart, and have a strong work ethic as well as leadership skills, and no school should intimidate me. I would also tell myself not to stress over tuition. College is expensive but one way or another, it will be paid, regardless of me having to take out loans.

If I was able to go back in time and give advice to myself about college it would have to be to take advantage of every opportunity. Any opportunity to meet new people, shadow with different professionals, get involved in different programs on or off campus, or take a variety of classes. College is often experienced by routine where one becomes content with his or her schedule; however, I would challenge myself to break up the routine. Some people study all the time instead of partying and others cannot get to class because their social lives take over. There must be a balance that is tolerable to the individual. The part that one will remember about college are the different experiences and relationships. College should encompass everything from social and personal development to a plan for a career option. One should get out and experience as much as possible because each new scenario builds to a person's foundation. Ultimately, I would tell myself to enjoy every minute of college will simultaneously being responsible by ensuring open doors to career options once school is over.

I have learned a lot from my college experience like individualism, the responibility and power of reason, and humility which all have proved to be of great value to my growth as a young adult. Individualism has been a huge part of the transition from home and family life to dorm life. I did not ever imagine that people could make the decisions that they make without parental oversight, but in the end it has helped me understand that just because parents are not watching us anymore, it does not mean that we should put ourselves out there in high risk decisions. Decisions comes from the developement of reasoning what we should do or should not do. With this there always comes power and responsibility for not always can we reason our passions at such a young age, but college has a way of giving us scenarios that allow us to develop the reason that we need for life. Lastly I have learned humility, whereas before I had known what it was but not the importance of it or how to apply it. College has taught me that humility leads to more opportunities to learn about myself or anything else.

So far, by attending campus multiple times, by sitting in on classes, and numerous meetings with my college counselor I can see that the College of Idaho is a cut above the rest. I can see that the teacher to student ratio is small enough that I'll get the fortune of knowing my teachers better than I would if I were in a lecture hall of 1000 people where I'd be just another face. I can see that the staff cares about the prospective students and that in a small college, I'll make friends with everyone. As for the professional aspect, I'll have better teacher recommendations for medical school and I know that the workload will be challenging but worth the effort in every way when I receive my undergraduate degree.

My college experience has taught me to acquire knowledge by questioning, considering, and thinking critically about every subject matter. This is how I will be able to learn about myself and about life. Such discoveries only makes me wonder about the depth of every situation, circumstance, and reason that surrounds our world and our place in it.

I've learned a lot over the last 9 months about myself more than anything. I've learned that I am capable of doing anything school related if I push myself hard enough. I know now that I have a lot more intelligence than I could have ever imagined, I can actually keep up with my classes. I learned that college is everything people told me it would be but that I can handle it. Lastly, I learned how crazy college freshman are (I guess I never knew people could be so insane).

If I had the chance to go back in high school and do anything different, I would fill out more scholarships. I had this feeling that FAFSA and my main school-sponsered scholarship would cover the costs. Being broke has taught me my lesson and here I sit, filling out form after form hoping to have less loans next year. Studying harder is good, yes, but that is something all college-bound students are taught. The one thing I never paid nearly enough attention to is exactly what I'm doing now, and luckily it's something I can change.

If i could return to my senior year and talk to myself about my future, the first thing i would tell myself would be not to give up. I started college soon after i graduated and instead of knowing a lot about scholarships i applied for student loans because it was the only way i could continue my education. I would tell myself to keep on track and apply for as many scholarships as i could because people in the world DO want to help young adults through education. I would make sure I did not give up because of the debt i owe in loans, I would not let myself be scared to reach for my dreams of becoming someone important and smart.

Take the ACT one more time. You are only one point away from a full ride scholarship. Aside from having your tuition paid, you will also be conferred a wealth of august opportunities because of your status as a Heritage Scholar on campus. Imagine the exchange program to Ireland you could participate in. You could travel to a new country, on an unfamiliar continent. While gaining an education, you could also reconnect with your family's roots and soak in a different culture. Maybe you could find your new home in the Emerald Isle. There is no doubt that it would be a memorable and worthwhile experience. Even if you choose to stay on campus all four years, professors would regard you as a leader of the future. With such prestige there would be no energy wasted in proving yourself. You would be offered unique opportunities for community service, bettering the campus and maybe the city of Caldwell. That must be worth the four hours of agony that is the ACT.

I would tell myself to enjoy my last year in high school and to do my best academically. Strive for the best and know that your future will be here amongst you before you know it. College is the first part of your career for your future and to make the right choices and excell at them. Once you know what you want reach for the stars and go for it! You can do anything you set our mind to, thr future is yours! I would also say that all of us have a dream and that all dreams can come true if you put your mind to it and try. If you do not try you will never know. When you are in high school the future seems so distant but in reality it is right around the corner, you can excel and have fun at the same time, just make the right choices and move forward. College life is a transition and you will need to be in control of yourself as you will not have someone helping you, if you make the right decisions you will win in the end. Think for yourself and be strong. Enjoy!

I would tell the fearful teenager that i was to sit down, breathe deep, and calm down. College is only the next step in life and my education. I feared the unknown and i wish that I would have let myself live a stress free senior year in high school rather than a stressed out, "I think I'm going crazy" one. College has taught me to be more independent, do my own laundry and it has definately helped me in setting my priorities straight. I have matured so much in only the first semester of college, I can barely remember who i was in my 4 short years of high school. I would never take back the fear I had for growing up and becoming a college freshmen, but knowing what i know now about college life...I will never turn back, only forward into the promising horizon of my future.