Elizabeth
I would tell myself not to stress or worry about how different the transition will be. I would tell myself that everything is going to work out and that great times were ahead. College will not be an impossible challenge, but instead a fun challenge. It will be an opportunity that will open up infinite amounts of other opportunities for your life. You will have a lot more on your plate, but you will learn to cope with it in an effective way. Mom and Dad will not be around all the time like you are used to, but their absence will make visting home that much sweeter. There will be times you might want to give up, but if you keep trying and giving it your best, you will see great results. Enjoy every moment of it and it will be the best time of your life.
Curtis
Don't follow the crowd. Be independant and remain focused. I have heard this many times "It is not how it used be."
Jared
I think the best advice iIcould give myself is that college almost feels like a race agasint time, you want to do the best you can as soon as you can not to get cought up in all the excitment and parties that goes on there will always be time to party later in life its just the matter of getting to where you want to be and how you want your life to be, stay on top of school work to the best of your ability not to get caught behind its not like highschool where you can put stuff off to the last minute, it will be difficult in the begining but you will eventually adapt not to that bother me and my feeling towards school, but other then that i would tell myself have fun but stay on top of your work and be safe.
Christine
The past few years after graduation have been a very significant time in my life. Since graduating from high school, I have taken some time off from school to decide what I really want out of life. After watching many of my fellow classmates go on to universities and soon after drop out, I wanted to think more about my options before I took the leap. If a time machine happened to be available now I would have to advise myself, as a high school senior, to "be patient" and "make sure college is the right choice before making any concrete decisions". Which is exactly what I did. Simple, yet crucial to being successful. Today, my goals have never been more clear. Obviously, like many college freshman, I want to make new friends and enjoy my time while I attend school. And while reading a book or researching the latest in technology appeals to me, sometimes stretching my legs on the beach or kicking a soccer ball around is a much needed way to relieve stress. It is important to balance both my education and my social life so that I do not become overwhelmed with this new experience.
Tabitha
I would tell myself to do as good as I could in high school so it would be easier to transition to college. I would tell myself to not be afraid to put myself out there and make new friends. I would tell myself to start learning better study habits and I would also tell myself to have fun because college is a big part of your life and you need to get out and learn new things, make new friends, and have new experiences that you can look back on and be glad you did.
Margaret
Making the transition from high school to college is difficult. It's important to find your place within the university; there is more to college than just classwork. The first rule of college is to go to class, no matter what your friends might say. The second rule is to get to know your professors and teaching assistants--once you see that they are "real" people, you'll find class more interesting; also, a professor is more likely to be flexible with you if he or she knows who you are and that you care about your work. The third rule is to get involved in your community; no matter where you go to school, you can find a group of people to call your friends. You might get involved in a foreign language club, a political group, an events planning organization, an honor society, a sports club, or a group that enjoys watching the same television show--the important thing is to find something! Students who have more to their lives than just classes are happier than students who go to class, study, and do nothing else. College is a time for learning about yourself.
Susan
Get involved! Emerse yourself in the college experience! College is about so much more than just taking classes. When you get ready to graduate and apply for jobs and graduate school, they are looking for well rounded individuals who have a wide variety of experiences. My advice is to join at least one organization that will benefit you and one that will be fun. Take the time to get to know your teachers and professors who can offer so much from their own experience and can be a support later on. Forming relationships with classmates will give you a support system during college and a source of networking after college. Undergrad is the transition from childhood to adulthood and is an invaluable experience, so live every single moment to its fullest, have fun and get the best experience possible!
Tiffany
Do not be hesitant to take full advantage of everything The University of Alabama has to offer. Be sure to form relationships with your professors and advisors; they will do everything they can to help you be successful and respect you for your effort. Do not let your fear of taking on too much stop you from taking part in all of the extracurricular activities and social groups you originally wanted to join. It may seem like you are setting yourself up for failure, but it will turn out to be the opposite. Participate more in your classes; I promise, you will not embarass yourself! Making the adjustment from living at home to living on your own will be a big change, but it will be much easier than it originally seems. Do not stress yourself out with impossible class schedules or make having a social life your priority. Just remember, the most important thing is to enjoy being in college. It is a once in a lifetime experience.
Rebecca
I remember being a fairly uncaring senior, especially when it came to my future. I assumed that most colleges were a continuation of lecturing and note taking in high school, in which I often memorized my way though. I learned to take life in the same way, not really reaching for anything that wasn't right under my nose. However, after becoming submerged in my new lifestyle, I realized that college isn't the same as high school at all. The biggest and most crucial change for me is that my goal is not to pass a course anymore. Instead, I strive to genuinely better myself in my developing skills, in the subjects that I love, and in the person that I am becoming. If I could give myself advice as a high school senior, I would tell myself to take every opportunity that is thrown at me, no matter how challenging it is, or afraid of putting myself out there. Because that's what college really does, it prepares you for success and teaches you how to learn in ways that can't be taught through note taking, or lectures.
lauren
Would the Real Lauren Phelps Please Step Forward: I know she's in there somewhere, but where. That's the answer to the ten million dollar question. Is she the girl at the frat party drinking an alcololic beverage and playing beer pong, the one with the short dress and heels at a club doing who knows what kind of a dance with a stranger she just met when he bought her a drink or the one falling asleep in class from staying out partying all night. Maybe she's the one watching everyone else drink, dance and be merry . Maybe she's the one who only stays up late at night to study for an exam so she can make the dean's list when the grades are posted. I know you were raised to be confident with yourself and the choices you make in life. You have good instincts and are a very responsible young woman who has good morals. Your character sets you apart from others and makes you the wonderful person you are. Remember to be confident in that person and you will make the right choices.
Tamiya
I would tell myself to develop better study skills and to never procrastinate on any assignment. Also take the initiative to fill out more scholarships and do more research on loans to see what is best for me. BE WISE when it comes to choosing the school based on your major and what the school has to offer. Its nothing worse then following everybody else then your yourself because you will turn out flunking out the school because you dont like it. Be financially stable before entering into college, ITS NOT FREE. BE MINDFUL of how everything has a fee and that my parents willl not be there to give me money when I need it. WAKE UP ITS THE REAL WORLD! Basically if I could go back then I would say once you leave your parents nest you will have a lot of weight carried on your shoulders from school to bills. GOOD LUCK and DONT GIVE UP
Chanley
Looking back to my senior year only seems like a short time ago. As a freshman begining my Spring semester at the University of Alabama, I know the advice I can give to any hich school senior would be useful. First I would say slow down, these are the BEST years of your life and you do not want to rush throught them. It is very important when moving of to school, to know your priorities and have them in order. Without your parents with you every step of the way you are learning to become responsible young adults and college really prepares you for the "real world". I would say making lists helps A LOT! Also, most days can be very busy and overwhelming, If you have a schedule for each day it helps relieve stress and ensures you do not forget any thing you are suppose to get done or when you need to be certain places. Stay organized! This is extremely important because most college dorms are very small. If you are organized you will never lose anything and always know where to find things, even If your are in a hurry. Lastly, HAVE FUN!
ashton
If i could go back in time to my senior year, i would tell myself to onsider all options when thinking about schools, cost, distance, student life, organizations, and majors. Out of state tution is about double or more in-state. Think about the distance you are willing to be away from your loved ones. Not being able to just hop in the car and drive there is hard. Also to learn study skills so you can come into college classes and feel confident about learning the material. See what organizations and clubs they have, ae you interested in any? Do they have a greek life? And do they have your major and chances for you to do interships to get your foot in the door for getting a job after you graduate. Think about your future and what you what out of it all.
John
Be prepared to work in the down time after class. High school was all about getting everything done in class so there was no homework. College is all about doing everything outside the classroom, sometimes for multiple hours a day. If you think going through college is going to be the same trip as through high school you are going to fail, period. But, if you can manage the adjustment I guarantee you will enjoy every minute of college life.
Lee
If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have a lot of advice to give myself about the college life. The first thing that I would tell myself is to relax because college isn?t as scary as it seems. Also that I am going to have the time of my life and meet people that will be in my life forever. On an academic standpoint, I would tell myself to stay on top of my school work. Due to the speed and the amount of work in class, if you slack off any you can get yourself in to trouble because the teachers won?t stop for you in a class of 300 students. Another thing that I would tell myself is to read the syllabus carefully for each class because they will save your life with class and assignments. Finally I would tell myself to be ready because you are about to have the experience of a lifetime.
Madelyn
As a very sheltered child growing up in a small town, I would inform myself of all the new found freedoms in store for me on one of the largest campuses in the state. It is important to note that in high school an above average GPA is not comparable to a college GPA in terms of the amount of studying needed. In order to excel in college you need to study at least five hours a week outside of class and if necessary seek help from instructors. One of the most important things is to keep the values that you hold close a priority, but also be open to new ideals. Due to the extremely competitive nature for careers one has to be the ultimate candidate when seeking employment after graduation. Leadership skills accompanied with volunteering, academic success, extracurricular activities and community involvement are the essential makeup of a quality applicant in postgraduate studies or employment. You should begin as early as freshman year because all of these components are now somewhat standard and research experience in your field of choice or an internship may be needed to be set apart from your peers, which is the main goal.
Robert
So you want to attend College? To make sure that you understand what is involved in being a successful college student let me go over a few things with you. Make sure that you apply early to the college of your choice and take the ACT or SAT. Submit a Resume with your application because this, sometimes, gives you an edge when they read beyond the application and see other accomplishments. Many students need financial assistance for college. January 1st is the start date to file for Federal Assistance or FASFA. Other scholarship opportunities become av ailable also. Be persistant in applying early for them. Above all, prepare to dedicate yourself to your studies, your grades and don't ever be affraid to go and talk to your advisor when you have a problem. That's what they are there, to help with problems and guide you in the right direction. Don't be afraid of the word "NO" when it comes to friends wanting you to goof off and shun your studies. Always look at the "Bigger Picture". Make the best of your college stay and complete your education ON TIME!! Set your goals and stay on track.
Lofton
If I could go back, I would definitely consider loooking for scholarships and understanding the money situation. I would take classes that are more important to my major and focus on getting experience for what I want to do. I would find a cheaper living situation because there are so many out there, but I chose to live somewhere expensive and now am paying for it in student loan debt!
Timi
The most important advice I would give myself would be to search for any scholarship information I could find. Before entering college, I had no idea of the numerous scholarships that are available. I thought just because I did not have a 4.0 GPA in high school, the only other scholarship option I had was an athletic scholarship. The second piece of advice I would give myself is to expect the unexpected. Having a back-up plan is vital in pursuing a degree. A student should always stay ahead on assignments, because he or she does not if a change of events is about to happen. Also, I would tell myself to have more self-confidence. Doing so will allow oneself to have no fear. The last piece of advice I would give myself is to relax and enjoy every minute of high school. I thought high school was the end of the world, but I certainly found that was not the case when I entered college. Time has seemed to past by quickly during my undergraduate career. I now wish I would have relaxed more during my life as a student.